Hawthorn midfielder Tilly Lucas-Rodd has been appointed as the club’s AFLW captain for a second straight season.
Lucas-Rodd led from the front last season, taking out the club’s inaugural AFLW best and fairest.
The 27-year-old will be supported by newly appointed co-vice-captains Emily Bates and Jasmine Fleming.
Bates is no stranger to this position, having served as vice-captain during her time at Brisbane.
The former league best and fairest winner has hit the ground running at the Hawks, driving elite standards while continuing to develop her own game under coach Bec Goddard.
Vice-captaincy marks an incredible rise for Fleming, who at just 18 years old going into her second season has earned the utmost respect from her teammates.
The classy midfielder burst onto the scene in her debut campaign, finishing third in the club’s best and fairest and the league’s rising star count despite balancing both football and year 12 studies.
The leadership group is rounded out by returning members Louise Stephenson and Tamara Luke, while reliable defender and former A-League Women’s championship player Catherine Brown has been appointed for the first time.
Hawthorn General Manager of Football Operations Max Bailey congratulated the leadership group on their appointments.
“As a club, we are thrilled to have Tilly, Emily, Jasmine, Louise, Tamara and Catherine lead us into our second AFLW season,” Bailey said.
“Tilly is a much-loved individual who served us remarkably as captain in our inaugural season.
“Tilly’s love for their teammates and commitment to the brown and gold values is why they are held in such high regard among the playing group.
“To have someone of Emily’s calibre serve as a co-vice-captain is a huge boost for the club.
“Emily has experienced success at the highest level from both a team and individual perspective and what she has brought to the group so far has been invaluable.
“Jasmine’s rise to co-vice-captain speaks volumes of her work ethic and the respect she has from her teammates.
“She is just as impressive off the field as she is on the field and I have no doubt she will thrive as one of Tilly’s deputies.
“Together with Louise, Tamara and Catherine, we’re excited to invest in our leadership group who play such a big part in our club’s journey towards ultimate success.”
Initially selected with Pick 99 in the 2016 AFL Women’s draft by Carlton, Lucas-Rodd has now notched up 53 games across the Blues, St Kilda and now Hawthorn.
They spoke of the honour to lead the Hawks again for a second straight season.
“I’m so privileged to be appointed captain of such a trusted and respected group of people for another season,” Lucas-Rodd said.
“I learnt a lot about myself and those around me last season so to get the opportunity to continue that journey in 2023 is something I hold in the highest regard.
“We truly are a family at the Hawks so to be backed in by my peers and support staff to lead the way is truly an honour.
“I look forward to continuing our pursuit for greatness alongside five of not only the best leaders, but the best people I know, in Emily, Jasmine, Louise, Tamara and Catherine.”
Lucas-Rodd will lead the Hawks out in just over a month when they take on Essendon under Saturday night lights at Kinetic Stadium, Frankston.
2023 Hawthorn AFLW leadership group
Tilly Lucas-Rodd - Captain
Emily Bates - Co-vice-captain
Jasmine Fleming - Co-vice-captain
Louise Stephenson - Leadership group member
Tamara Luke - Leadership group member
Catherine Brown - Leadership group member
