ESSENDON has appointed Bonnie Toogood and Steph Cain as its inaugural AFLW co-captains.

Former Saint Jacqui Vogt and VFLW skipper Georgia Nanscawen (who is inactive this season after rupturing her ACL) round out the leadership group for this season.

Toogood, 24, started her AFLW career in 2018 with the Western Bulldogs as a rookie, crossing from netball. She has since played 37 games, primarily as a key forward, kicking 29 goals.

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The 26-year-old Cain was a surprise Bombers recruit, crossing from Fremantle, where she was an inaugural player.

Cain has fought her way into being one of the top wingers in the competition, having been delisted at the conclusion of the 2017 season before earning her way back onto the Freo list for the following year.

She has experienced the ups and downs of AFLW footy, having also successfully recovered from a torn ACL to have played 44 matches in her career.

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"Both Steph and Bonnie are highly respected members of this group, so to have them supporting one another in the dual role will be beneficial for the entire program," Bombers coach Natalie Wood said.

"Both players are ready to embrace this opportunity ahead. We are confident they will continue to set high standards across the playing group and lead by example."