Hawthorn Football Club has today announced the leadership group of its VFLW side ahead of the club's Round 1 clash against Essendon on Sunday 6 May.
Emma Mackie will captain the side with Tamara Luke also announced as vice-captain at this evening’s season launch.
Steph Carroll and VFL stalwart Lou Wotton, who heads into her 14th season in the VFLW, round out the leadership group as deputy vice-captains.
Mackie, a former elite cyclist, was a pivotal member of the Box Hill inaugural VFLW side and despite having found her AFLW home at Whitten Oval, she committed in December to running out with her Hawthorn family in 2018.
Mackie is thrilled to have the support of her teammates who voted her in as captain and is looking forward to the season getting underway.
“To be a part of Hawthorn’s inaugural VFLW team is a huge honour and to be named as captain of the side is extra special,” said Mackie.
“We have a really talented list of women who are all eager to pull on the brown and gold and I can’t wait to see what we can produce in 2018 under the direction of our coach Paddy Hill.”
In a major boost for Hawthorn’s VFLW side, Budget Car Rental has joined the family as co-major sponsor of the team, alongside Bingo Industries.
Founded in 1958, Budget is one of the world’s best-known car rental brands and an industry leader in providing mobility services to value-conscious travellers.
With over 200 locations across Australia, Budget is committed to consistently delivering quality products and services and great value, which makes customers confident that Budget is their best car rental choice.
Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves welcomed the partnership.
“We’re delighted to have Budget on board as co-major sponsor of our VFLW team as they enter their first season under the Hawthorn name,” Reeves said.
“Budget’s commitment and support for our women’s team, as well as our VFL men’s team, is something truly fantastic and it’s great to have them on board as a valued partner, joining us on our historic VFLW journey.”
Avis Budget Group Head of Marketing, Pacific, Roy Scoon said the organisation was proud to be a major sponsor of the Hawthorn VFLW team in 2018.
"As a business, Avis Budget Group is proactive in seeking opportunities for our brands to align with sporting bodies, community groups and events that share our company values," Mr Scoon said.
"Like Budget, the VFLW is driven by excellence, growth and quality, and we are excited to be involved in such a successful venture for women in sport.”
Hawthorn’s VFLW side kicks off its 2018 campaign this Sunday 6 May at 1pm, against Essendon at Windy Hill.
