Bonnie Toogood and Steph Cain will continue to lead Essendon’s AFLW program for the 2023 season.
The Bombers inaugural AFLW captains the pair have been elected the leaders of the group for a second straight season.
Jacqui Vogt and Georgia Nanscawen will continue in their leadership positions, while three-time All-Australian Madison Prespakis has been voted in by her peers, rounding out the five-person leadership group.
The co-captains were instrumental in the Bombers’ inaugural year, both playing all 10 games and finishing in the club’s top-three in the best and fairest.
Cain led from the front through the Bombers’ midfield.
With 54 games under her belt, Cain is the most experienced player at the Bombers, having played six seasons at Fremantle before making the move to the Bombers.
Cain said she was privileged to lead the club for a second year alongside Toogood.
“It’s a privilege to continue to lead the group alongside Bonnie,” she said. “To have the backing of the playing group and club makes you feel pretty grateful.
“Working with Bon fills me with so much confidence. I stand taller alongside her and we have such a shared passion in the responsibility of driving this group forward.
“Supported by Jaq, Georgia and Maddy, who all have different strengths, is such a benefit for our group heading into the upcoming season.”
Fellow co-captain Toogood was a key target up forward, averaging 13 disposals, eight kicks per game, and seven goals for the season.
The 24-year-old was rewarded for her excellent season with an All-Australian Squad nomination.
“I feel incredibly honoured and privileged to be named co-captain alongside Steph for our upcoming season,” she said.
“I really enjoy leading with ‘Caino’. We are different in our leadership styles but fundamentally have the same values, so we complement each other well and I look forward to continuing to learn off her.
“Last year, Jac, Georgia, ‘Caino’ and I grew so much together as a leadership group and, with Maddy, we get another opportunity to represent this amazing program and club to build off what we started last year.”
Joining the leadership group is reigning club best and fairest winner Prespakis, who excelled in the midfield last year, playing all 10 games and averaging 24 disposals.
A lifelong Bombers’ supporter, it was Prespakis’ driven nature that stood out to her teammates throughout the selection process.
“Maddy is constantly looking for ways to grow as a person and to help her teammates grow, which is a key reason why her teammates voted her in as a leader of our program,” coach Natalie Wood said.
“She’s not only driven to being the best footballer she can, but she’s also so determined to help develop the program and her teammates.
“This is a great reward for Maddy to be elevated to the leadership group.”
