Essendon has named its AFLW leadership group for 2025, with a mix of new and returning faces highlighting this year’s line-up.
 
For a fourth consecutive season, Bonnie Toogood and Steph Cain will serve as Co-Captains of the Club, continuing their run as key culture drivers within the squad both on and off-field.
 
The pairing of Toogood and Cain has been instrumental in the side’s push to finals football over the past two seasons, with the senior Dons setting perpetual high standards for the group.
 
“To have the confidence from the playing group to go around for the fourth consecutive year as Co-Captain alongside Bonnie is such a privilege. It’s fantastic to have the addition of Steph Wales into the Extended Leadership Group - her commitment to her craft, as well as wanting to develop as a leader has been extremely impressive,” Cain said.

 
“Having the Emerging Leadership Group formalised is exciting. They will be such an asset to all us leaders, and with that, we can help them continue to grow and develop as individuals both on and off-field.  
 
“To be a Co-Captain with Caino again is an honour, and I feel extremely grateful for the opportunity. Our different leadership styles complement one another, and we really support each other in our roles,” Toogood said.
 
“Leading this group in some ways is an easy job, as they all take ownership of their leadership. I recently saw a quote from Marcus Bontempelli that said, ‘having Captaincy is rented time’, which really stuck with me. I’m honoured to be Co-Captain again, but being surrounded by so many strong leaders makes me super excited to see who will take the reins one day.
 
Last year’s star recruit Maddi Gay has been elevated to Vice-Captaincy for the first time in her career after an outstanding start to her tenure as a Bomber.
 
The 28-year-old made immediate impact transitioning from the Demons ahead of 2024, crowned the Dons’ Best and Fairest for her most consistent campaign at the level – after being named as a leader in her first season, another elevation is well deserved for the defender.
 
In a new inclusion for 2025, emerging ruck Steph Wales has earned a spot as a leader, with the 22-year-old joined by Bess Keaney in rounding out the extended leadership group.
 
The Bombers have also announced a quartet of Emerging Leaders amongst the group this year, with Amy Gaylor, Mia Busch, Emily Gough and Georgia Clarke earmarked for their potential in the leadership space at this early stage of their playing careers.
 
AFLW Coach Natalie Wood expressed her excitement about the impact the Leadership Group will have both on and off the field in 2025. 
 
“The players selected in our 2025 Leadership Group have been pivotal in driving our standards and building our culture. They live our standards consistently and lead by example through actions," Wood said.
 
“To have Bonnie Toogood and Steph Cain lead the side as Co-Captains for the fourth consecutive season is incredible and is a testament to their evolution as leaders. They are passionate leaders who lead from the front with passion, empathy and set the standard for work ethic and commitment. They inspire the entire playing group. 
 
“Maddi Gay in her role as Vice-Captain further strengthens the Leadership Group, she consistently leads by example and pushes for excellence in everything she does, and to achieve this in her second season at the Club is an absolute credit to her. 
 
“To have Bess Keaney and Steph Wales selected for the Extended Leadership Group provides great balance for us. For Steph to be voted in for the first time, all whilst in rehab highlights the value she adds to the group and her team first mindset. Bess’ engagement and leadership of the group whilst inactive has been remarkable, I am incredibly proud of both of them. Our Emerging Leaders have demonstrated that they’re ready to embrace the responsibilities of leadership. Each of them has consistently proven their dedication, maturity, and willingness to support and elevate those around them.”
 
Essendon’s first AFLW match simulation takes place against the Pies at Windy Hill on July 26, beginning the build towards their official season start in August.
 
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