This week’s season review focuses on the Bombers’ courageous Co-Captain.

Steph Cain

Avgs: 14 disposals, four tackles, three clearances
Eight games

Steph Cain continues to set the tone for Essendon.

Suiting up for her second year alongside Bonnie Toogood as Bombers’ Co-Captains in 2023, Cain took her strong 2022 form into an impressive start to the new season.

Cain opened 2023 with a 16-disposal, seven-tackle effort against Hawthorn, providing particular grunt through the midfield after half-time when the Bombers pushed away from their rivals to snag a 19-point win.

A matchup with former side Fremantle brought the best out of Cain in round four, racking up an equal season-high 17 disposals along with five tackles as the Dons cruised to a strong 20-point victory.

Cain matched her outside run with strong intent on the inside in the weeks to follow, with her 14-touch, seven-tackle performance in the round six win over Geelong a particular highlight from her season.

The round eight loss to West Coast was a double-whammy for the Bombers, who would lose Cain to concussion in the first half.

After a successful recovery, Cain strained her hamstring in an innocuous training incident the following week, effectively ruling her out for the remainder of the season.

Despite missing the final three games, Cain would finish eighth in the Dons’ Best and Fairest count, reflective of her importance to the team’s run to the finals.

Looking to rebound from the premature end to her campaign, Cain will be keen to showcase her best footy once again in 2024.