Two-time All Australian Meghan McDonald will lead the Cats for the fourth consecutive season after being voted as Captain by her teammates ahead of the 2023 NAB AFLW season.
Already the longest-serving Geelong AFLW captain, McDonald will remain captain after first being appointed ahead of AFLW Season 5.
McDonald will lead a five-woman leadership group, with Nina Morrison re-elected vice-captain, and Chantel Emonson, Becky Webster and new face Mikayla Bowen forming the remaining members of the group.
The appointment of the Club’s leaders was a player-led process, with the playing squad and key staff nominating and voting on candidates before the appointments were ratified by the Cats’ Board.
"The significant development of our team throughout 2022 has everyone as excited, committed, and invested as ever ahead of the coming season. That progress has been driven by the collective, one that it remains a great honour to be part of, let alone to lead,” McDonald said.
"I look at my teammates and see them strengthen and expand their abilities and deepen their connection with each new season. We’re ready and raring to unlock new levels together in 2023."
Vice-captain Morrison has been part of the Cats’ leadership group for the past three seasons, playing nine out of a possible 10 games in Season 7, averaging 13.8 disposals, 6.4 contested possessions and 5.9 tackles a game.
Midfielder Webster has played 40 games in the Hoops across five seasons and is part of the leadership group for the second consecutive season. Webster was selected with Pick 7 in the 2018 National Draft and has continued to go from strength to strength since joining the Cats’ midfield.
Emonson joined the Cats in AFLW Season 6 from Melbourne and has played all 21 games since debuting for the Cats, making an immediate impact across half-back and in the midfield. Emonson was elevated straight into the leadership group in her first season and her silky skills and courage on the field have been on display since day one.
Bowen has been elevated to the leadership group for the first time off the back of an impressive first season at GMHBA Stadium in Season 7.
Joining the Cats from the Eagles ahead of last season, the 22-year-old won the peer-voted Hoops award in Season 7, an award given to who best lives the team's values. Bowen is also a Pride ambassador for the Club and works for the Cats as the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator.
On the field, Bowen is a tireless winger who runs all day and has a tenacious tackling ability.
Geelong Head of AFLW and Football Pathways Brett Johnson said:
“We are extremely excited to reappoint Meg to lead our talented group alongside her deputy Nina again in 2023; they did an outstanding job last year and we feel as though they both will continue to grow as leaders of our Club.
“Mikayla is our newest addition to the group, she has impressed the whole playing group and coaching staff from the minute she walked through the doors, unlocking excellence on and off the field.
“Becky in her first year as a recognised leader and Chantel who is now heading into her third year in the leadership group both took their games to the next level last year and will continue to build on the foundations that they have built.
“Throughout the Club, we feel that leadership is something instilled throughout the playing group, and we are proud to have these players lead our Club and support their growth in chasing greatness both on and off the field.”
Geelong’s 2023 campaign starts with a Round 1 blockbuster at GMHBA Stadium against Western Bulldogs on Saturday, September 2 at 5:05pm.
Tickets are now on sale. Click here to purchase your ticket to watch the Cats in 2023!
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