CARLTON'S VFLW side will have a new captain, with Christina Bernardi taking the reins for the upcoming 2023 season.
Bernardi will be supported as part of a five-player leadership group including; Thomay Nicolaou, Millie Klingbeil, Bry Gurr and Vanessa Murphy.
A veteran of the AFLW with 40 games of experience at the elite level, Bernardi will step up to guide a developing Blues’ list at VFLW level.
A train-on player with Carlton during season seven, the 30-year-old former All-Australian got her chance to make her Navy Blue debut in Round 5 against Melbourne.
It is a new-look leadership group for the Blues, with reigning best and fairest winner Klingbeil, Gurr and Murphy all being added, with last year’s vice-captain Nicolaou the mainstay.
VFLW coach Tom Stafford said the leadership group complemented each other well, which will hold the wider playing group in good stead.
“All five players provide varying levels of experience, which ensures they can represent and connect with all of their teammates and help us take this program forward,” Stafford said.
“Christina has earned everything she has gotten in her career to date, she is a story of great perseverance, resilience and a great example for our group to follow.
“The players have put in a mountain of work over the pre-season, and we cannot wait to kick off the season next Saturday.”
The Blues will host the VFLW season opener at 2pm next Saturday 25 March at IKON Park.
