Experienced midfielder Tilly Lucas-Rodd has been named Hawthorn’s inaugural AFLW captain.
Like Lucas-Rodd, her deputy is also an inaugural AFLW player, with Jess Duffin selected as vice-captain.
Rounding out the leadership group are a third inaugural AFLW player in Louise Stephenson and Hawthorn VFLW premiership player Tamara Luke.
The four leadership group members were voted in by their peers.
“I’m honoured to be named as Hawthorn’s inaugural AFLW captain,” Lucas-Rodd said.
“It’s a privilege to not only be part of something special at the Hawks, but to be trusted to lead this amazing playing group throughout our first season.”
Lucas-Rodd boasts previous leadership experience as a member of St Kilda’s AFLW leadership group from 2020-2022, including being elected as co-vice-captain in 2021.
The 26-year-old is coming off a stellar AFLW season in which she was named in the All Australian squad and finished second in the Saints best and fairest.
Vice-captain Duffin has excelled in her 32 AFLW games, making the All Australian squad and team while representing Collingwood and North Melbourne.
Duffin’s leadership experience extends to cricket, where the 33-year-old captained the Melbourne Renegades as well as the 2019 Team of the Tournament in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL).
After representing the GWS Giants on 33 occasions, Stephenson is ready to take her game to the next level as a leader of Hawthorn’s defence.
Having captained Hawthorn’s VFLW team in 2019 and 2022, Luke, who is also a lifelong Hawks supporter, is the perfect fit to round out the leadership group.
Hawthorn AFLW Senior Coach Bec Goddard said this was a momentous occasion for the club.
“I am delighted to congratulate Tilly Lucas-Rodd, Jess Duffin, Louise Stephenson and Tamara Luke on their appointments as our inaugural AFLW leaders,” McCartney said.
“In Tilly, we’re getting a tenacious midfielder who leads by example and wears the brown and gold with pride.
“She has had an outstanding pre-season so far and I’m excited to see what she does as our inaugural captain.
“Jess has also been a standout during pre-season with her leadership capabilities and willingness to play whatever role is required for the team.
“Rounding out the quartet with Louise and Tamara is a fantastic result as the duo are recognised leaders and much-loved by their teammates.”
Hawthorn now turns its attention to the MCG where Richmond awaits in an official AFLW pre-season game, to be played on Sunday August 14.
After that, the Hawks will open a new chapter in its rivalry with Essendon when the two powerhouse clubs face off in a Round 1 Saturday night blockbuster.
