By Lance Jenkinson
The Western Bulldogs have appointed co-captains for their AFL Women’s premiership defence.
Katie Brennan, the club’s inaugural team leader, will be joined by onballer Ellie Blackburn in a new-look captaincy structure.
They will be part of a six-player leadership group that also includes Hannah Scott, Nicole Hallinan, Isabel Huntington and Kirsty Lamb.
Bulldogs coach Paul Groves said all those players had good track records of setting positive examples for their teammates.
“It’s a really exciting core group that the team has voted in as their leaders,” Groves said.
“There were two outstanding girls [Brennan and Blackburn] who, over the course of two years, have really evolved and been incredible leaders for this club.
“The strength we will receive with both Katie and Ellie working together will allow our group to continue to evolve both on and off the field.”
Brennan is looking forward to sharing the workload with Blackburn, having been a stand-alone captain for the first two seasons. As two experienced players in the team, they have worked closely together.
“I’m thrilled to be standing alongside Ellie in an official co-captaincy role in 2019,” Brennan said. “Our bond has strengthened immensely over the past two seasons and she has really stepped up in times of need to lead our girls incredibly well [when Brennan was unavailable].
“I’m so proud to be a captain of our group again, for the third season of AFLW, and I believe this partnership will be able to support, challenge and lead our team to new heights in 2019.”
Blackburn was captain on grand final day of the Bulldogs’ first AFL premiership after Brennan missed out through suspension.
In a memorable moment, Blackburn invited Brennan up on the dais to accept the premiership cup.
“I have so much belief in this group and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together in 2019 and beyond with an expanded leadership group,” Blackburn said.
The Bulldogs’ first match of the home-and-away season will be away to Adelaide Crows on Saturday, February 2.
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