Hawthorn VFLW has unveiled a much-loved face as its new skipper.
Tamara Luke will take over as captain ahead of the 2022 season, a role she previously held in 2019 prior to entering the AFLW.
Meanwhile, Nicole Garner has been named as vice captain, with Ainslie Kemp, Nadia von Bertouch and Lauren Szigeti rounding out the leadership group.
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Luke said she was thrilled to be captaining the Hawks once again.
“To be leading this club forward in 2022 is an absolute honour and not something I take lightly," Luke said.
“This group is really special to me, and I see this as an amazing opportunity to give back to the club that has given me so much over the years.
“I feel privileged to be surrounded by a such strong leadership group who are committed to putting in the hard work, and I’m confident that we’re building something really special.
“It’s such an exciting time for women’s football and our club, and we’re really looking forward to this next phase ahead.”
Aside from the reigning best and fairest winner's impressive on-field performances, Luke's leadership and experience was also a particular stand-out in 2021.
The fan favourite returned to re-join her old side of the brown and gold for the 2021 season after a stint with St Kilda in the AFLW.
Luke's involvement with the Hawks began in 2017, and in 2019 she was appointed as the club's captain after two seasons as vice captain.
Hawks VFLW Senior Coach Cherie O'Neill said Luke would set a fantastic example leading from the front.
"We’re so proud to have her as our leader," O'Neill said.
“Tam is a highly respected and much-loved teammate, who is known for her courage, outstanding work ethic, selflessness and natural leadership qualities.
“The attributes she has shown during her time at Hawthorn clearly demonstrate that she is determined to take this group forward."
Hawthorn will kick off its 2022 VFLW campaign next month, with fixture details set to be released in the coming weeks.
Make sure to stay tuned across hawthornfc.com.au for all VFLW and AFLW news.
