Carlton Football Club has today unveiled a six-player leadership group for AFLW 3.0. 

In a group voted on by the players, Brianna Davey will captain the Blues for a second consecutive season with the support of newly appointed vice-captain Katie Loynes and fellow leaders Shae Audley, Darcy Vescio, Sarah Hosking and Kerryn Harrington.

Davey will once again lead the Club in her comeback season after having her inaugural year as skipper cut short due to an ACL injury in Round 2.

The 24-year-old’s composure and strong on-field presence will be at the forefront in AFLW 3.0 as she looks to showcase her best football that earned her 2017 AFLW All Australian honours. 

Loynes steps into the vice-captaincy role following two stellar seasons in navy blue thus far. 

The 32-year-old was the Club’s joint AFLW best and fairest winner last season and possesses a wealth of experience that will prove invaluable in guiding the side’s exciting young talent. Her exceptional work rate, loyalty, commitment, and honesty will provide her teammates with a daily example to follow.

Darcy Vescio, Shae Audley and Kerryn Harrington have also been voted into the leadership group for the first time while Sarah Hosking remains in the position from 2018. 

Vescio’s calmness under pressure and support and care for her teammates was a key reason why she was nominated, while Audley possesses an innate ability to lead from the front with her actions and her voice which proves to be a real motivation for those around her.

The drive and determination of Harrington sees her showcase all the qualities of a leader and Hosking’s emergence as a leader in 2018 will continue in AFLW 3.0, working closely to drive the younger players in their development.

Coach Daniel Harford and General Manager of Women’s Football Nicole Graves believe the expanded leadership group would drive the elite standards of the new AFLW program at Carlton.

“Our leadership group has expanded to six this season, all with different strengths, which we feel will connect with our players on every level required, from our rookies to our most experienced players,” Harford said.

“We have no doubt Bri and Katie, supported by Darcy, Shae, Kerryn and Sarah, will guide and support their teammates, and drive the elite standards the game demands every time we walk through the doors of our footy club."

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“By having a leadership group that is full of such established talent, our young players will not have to look far to know what is required to perform at this level. That is an exciting prospect for us heading into the upcoming season.”  Graves said.

Carlton members and supporters will be able to see the AFLW side in action for the first time this Saturday when they host Geelong in a practice match at Ikon Park from 11am.