Two standout players, two huge milestones.
Co-Captain Steph Cain (75 games) and midfielder Brooker Walker (50 games) are entering their 10th and eighth AFLW seasons respectively, making them some of the side’s most experienced and valued teammates.
A role model and respected leader amongst the playing group – and on the verge of the major milestone - Cain is also the most capped player in the entire squad.
Cain was born in Victoria, but grew up in Western Australia, where she kickstarted her AFLW career in the league’s inaugural year playing with Fremantle.
It wasn’t always smooth sailing for Cain, with the future star delisted by Fremantle after her first year, despite missing just one game in 2017.
However, Cain was eventually re-drafted to the Dockers in the following draft and found herself playing every match in the 2018 season, making the most of her second chance.
After a successful couple of years, Cain suffered an ACL rupture in 2020, which saw her miss the entire season - however, in true Cain style, she bounced back for a stellar season in 2021.
Cain committed to Essendon ahead of the Club’s inaugural season in 2022 where she was named Co-Captain alongside teammate Bonnie Toogood.
Leading the side to successive finals appearances since, Cain is the kind of player who embodies a Club.
Multi-faceted and versatile, Walker is also stepping into the 2025 AFLW season with a huge 50-game milestone on the horizon in round one.
Walker grew up in Christchurch before relocating to the Gold Coast in her teenage years.
Before entering the footy sphere, Walker was a competitive Australian Rugby Sevens and Touch Football player.
In 2013, Walker debuted for Australia in Rugby Sevens and was part of the team that won gold at the 2013 Australian Youth Olympic Festival.
The experienced athlete was also a travelling reserve with the Sevens side that took home the gold at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Walker made the move to AFLW in 2019, where she debuted for Carlton, who she later signed a two-year contract with.
In 2023, Walker was traded to the Bombers in exchange for pick No.9, where she has solidified her position in the midfield.
With some career-high performances in the bag at the Dons, most notably a 14-tackle effort against the Dockers in last year’s Elimination Final, Walker has well and truly earned her accomplishment.
Cain and Walker are set to reach their milestones in opening round in Canberra against the Giants this Saturday.
Show your support for the Dons at their first home game at Windy Hill on Sunday 24 August against West Coast! Grab your tickets now here.
