Tara Murray
Bonnie Toogood and Steph Cain will lead Essendon’s inaugural AFLW side onto the field.
The two experienced footballers were announced on Tuesday as the Bombers co-captains for the upcoming season.
Jacqui Vogt and Georgia Nanscawen make up the rest of the leadership group.
An AFLW premiership player, Toogood played 37 games across her five seasons at the Western Bulldogs.
Cain moved to the Bombers after 44 games with Fremantle.
Toogood said she was extremely proud to be the inaugural co-captain alongside Cain in a historic year for the club.
“As a lifelong Bombers supporter, I am extremely proud to be named the inaugural co-captain of Essendon’s AFLW team,” she said.
“We are building such a special culture here and I look forward to working with Natalie [Wood], Steph, the playing group and coaching staff to develop the foundations of a successful program.”
Cain, who moved from her home state of Western Australia to join Essendon, said she was honoured to lead the Bombers in their inaugural year.
“I feel extremely privileged to be named the first captain of Essendon’s AFLW side, alongside Bonnie,” she said.
“Since moving to Victoria, the Bombers have been extremely supportive of me and I can’t wait to lead this special group throughout first year in the competition.”
Coach Natalie Wood said the experienced pair would complement one another with the strengths they bring to the leadership position.
“Both Steph and Bonnie are highly respected members of this group, so to have them supporting one another in the dual role will be beneficial for the entire program,” she said.
“Both players are ready to embrace this opportunity ahead. We are confident they will continue to set high standards across the playing group and lead by example.”
The Bombers will face Hawthorn at Marvel Stadium on August 27 to kick off their season.
