Nine AFLW seasons down and a milestone 10th on the horizon, star Bomber Bonnie Toogood is as excited as ever to get the season underway.

Having played an integral role in Essendon's growth since the Club entered the AFLW competition, Toogood has made her mark both on and off the field. Her natural leadership and positive attitude have been central to the Bombers' development over the past four seasons.

Now entering her fifth year in the red and black, Toogood is feeling as good as ever.

“I'm feeling some of the fittest and strongest I feel like I've been in my career which is really pleasing,” Toogood said.

“Credit to the program as well as the new Strength and Conditioning Coach Luke Meehan who has come over and started with us this year.

“I go to bed at night before training, and am that excited to wake up the next day and get here and be amongst the players, the program and the club.”

Over the past four years, Essendon has adopted a co-captaincy model, with Toogood leading alongside Steph Cain.

The pair have played a pivotal role in establishing the Club's culture and guiding the Bombers through their formative years in the AFLW.

This season, Toogood steps into the role as sole captain, with the Club reshaping its leadership structure as it enters the next stage of its AFLW journey.

Reflecting on the partnership, Toogood spoke about the lasting impact Cain has had on her both personally and as a leader.

“I’ve learnt so much from the partnership with Steph, we came in as inaugural players to Essendon. We didn’t have a rule book or a blueprint to go off, we just had each other,” Toogood said.

“I wouldn't be half the leader I am today without the influence of Steph and everything we've built over the past four years, she's such an integral part of our group and is such a strong leader and will continue to be.

“We really wanted to build an environment that everyone can walk into the rooms and feel completely themselves and feel accepted for who they are.”

With a strong leadership foundation established through the co-captaincy model, Toogood believes her new role presents an opportunity to continue growing while empowering those around her.

“I’m very invested in my leadership, leadership makes me challenge myself, being more self-aware, grow as a human being,” Toogood said.

“Leadership really pushes me to grow in so many different areas and I think stepping into this new role, it will allow me to try different things.

“I’ve set the intention (this pre-season) of going in and just being really confident in the ideas I have that I think are going to be helpful for the group, as well as a really collaborative approach.

“I'm happy to use my voice and lead with my actions, but I also want to lead from behind and really give the space for our younger leaders, the space to lead in their own way as well as just help their leadership development too.”

“I’m so honoured and privileged to serve this playing group and represent this football Club.”

Essendon are set to kick off their fifth AFLW campaign at Windy Hill on Sunday August 16 against Brisbane Lions. Take a look at our AFLW packages here and sync your 2026 season calendar here.