The Carlton Football Club is pleased to confirm its leadership group for AFLW season seven with Kerryn Peterson remaining as sole captain.
Darcy Vescio returns as co-vice captain, joined by Jess Dal Pos, with Lucy McEvoy, Breann Moody and Mimi Hill entering the leadership group as emerging leaders.
This season marks Peterson’s fourth campaign as leader of the side since first being appointed co-captain in 2020, and as standalone skipper earlier this year.
Vescio remains as co-vice captain for the second consecutive season and Dal Pos enters the senior leadership group after joining from GWS ahead of season six.
All three members of the senior leadership group are set to reach 50 AFLW games this season with Vescio expected to be the first Carlton player to reach the milestone in Round 1.
Three new faces join the group as emerging leaders with McEvoy, Moody and Hill all bright young prospects rising through the Carlton ranks.
Moody adds leadership status to her already impressive resume with All-Australian recognition in 2021 as well as being one of the premier rucks in the AFLW competition.
Hill was rewarded for an outstanding season six as the AFLW NAB Rising Star winner and will be looking to settle into her role as a leader by guiding a new-look midfield.
McEvoy has proved that she can move where needed, splitting her time between the midfield and forward line, and will be looking to make an impact when she returns to the side in the coming weeks.
Peterson is honoured to be named captain once again and is excited to be leading alongside some new faces this season.
“Darcy, Jess and I will work together to ensure the group stays connected, adheres to the values of our program and continues to rise to the occasion throughout the season,” Peterson said.
“It’s also fantastic to be able to welcome some new emerging leaders into the group this season, and it’s testament to Mimi, Breann and Lucy’s existing relationships with the playing group that they have been chosen by their peers to step into these elevated roles.”
AFLW Senior Coach Daniel Harford believes this leadership model is the perfect way to introduce upcoming leaders into the fold.
“We’re lucky to have some great up and coming talent at the Club and it’s wonderful to see these younger players ready to step up into leadership roles,” Harford said.
“Breann, Mimi and Lucy will benefit from the experience of Kerryn, Darcy and Jess as senior leaders and will be able to draw on that moving forward.
“Kerryn has proved herself a natural leader and did a fantastic job as sole captain last season – we have no doubt she will continue to be the perfect choice to lead this Club.
“Jess also officially joins the leadership group as co-vice captain alongside Darcy and we’re confident these players will continuously build on the connection of the group and drive our standards right throughout the season.”
