WITH the 2025 NAB AFLW season fast approaching, clubs have locked in the leadership groups that will steer the ship.

Different clubs value different things, so read on to see each side's leaders, and why they've earned the honour.

The 10th season of AFLW kicks off on Thursday, August 14 with a special season-opener between Carlton and Collingwood in memory of the iconic inaugural AFLW match in 2017.

Ebony Marinoff and Sarah Allan will take the reins for a successive season.

The pair took over from inaugural leader Chelsea Randall last year, and will helm a mostly unchanged group.

Eloise Jones, Jess Allan and Anne Hatchard all return to the leadership team, with key back Chelsea Biddell replacing the departed Najwa Allen (Hawthorn).

"We've been very fortunate over our history to have strong leadership at the club," coach Matthew Clarke said.

"This year, like last year, reflects the development of our younger players over the past 5-7 years.

"The elevation of Chelsea Biddell showcases her stature and standing within the group, and more broadly within the league."

The Lions have named an eight-person leadership group heading into the 2025 season.

Last year's Grand Finalists will once again be led by Bre Koenen, with Nat Grider and Belle Dawes joining her as co vice-captains.

Grider was vice-captain last season, while Dawes has been elevated into the role for the first time.

It's Koenen's fifth season in charge, making her the longest-serving AFLW captain of the club, surpassing previous Lions skipper Emma Zielke.

"I'm incredibly grateful to be able to lead the group again this season," Koenen said.

"For Belle to be elevated to vice-captain is a huge achievement for her and we as a playing group love the energy she brings every day and we know she'll bring that as vice-captain too."

Ally Anderson, Sophie Conway and Cathy Svarc, along with new members Jade Ellenger and Ruby Svarc, round out the leadership group.

"It is exciting to see Jade and Ruby take the step up into the leadership and we believe they will add great value and insight into our already very strong cohort of leaders," Koenen said.

Abbie McKay will captain Carlton in 2025, with former skipper Kerryn Peterson sitting out the season due to pregnancy.

McKay, whose father Andrew captained the Blues in 2003, will be supported by vice-captain Mimi Hill.

"I am so honoured and so excited to be named as captain. It is hard to believe that just a few years ago I wasn't getting picked in the side, so if my appointment is anything to go by it is to dream big," McKay said.

"I have so many incredible people around me and I know leadership is not a role for one person: our team has a one-in-all-in mentality.

"I am grateful that leaders who have come before me such as Kerryn Peterson, Darcy Vescio and Breann Harrington [née Moody] have set a standard that has empowered our group to take this program to another level in the coming years."

New Blue Tara Bohanna has stepped straight into the leadership group alongside Harriet Cordner. 

Ruby Schleicher has been appointed Collingwood's third AFLW skipper.

An inaugural Pie, the 27-year-old follows in the footsteps of Steph Chiocci and Bri Davey, who stepped down earlier in pre-season.

Long-term leadership member Jordy Allen will serve as vice-captain, with Lauren Butler and Mikala Cann rounding out the leadership group.

It's somewhat of a changing of the guard, with Davey, Brit Bonnici and Sabrina Frederick no longer part of the official leadership team.

"We are proud to announce Ruby as our 2025 Captain and look forward to seeing her make the role her own," Collingwood head of women's footy Jess Burger said. 

"Over the past nine years, she’s become a pillar of our program – continually investing in her development both as a footballer and as an individual, while consistently demonstrating genuine care and support for her teammates.  

"This appointment is a testament to the respect she’s built within the program as a footballer and a person.  

"We also congratulate our vice-captain Jordy and leaders Lauren and Mikala, who continue to challenge one another to grow both on and off the field."

Davey steps aside after five seasons at the helm.

The 30-year-old has battled numerous major injuries over that time, including a torn ACL and serious ankle issues, having started her elite sporting career in soccer at just 15.

"It has been such a privilege to lead this team and I thank everyone who has supported me on my leadership journey so far," Davey said.

"Personally, after a couple of challenging seasons with injury, I'm keen to focus my energy on the on-field while supporting the next captain of Collingwood's AFLW team."

Bonnie Toogood and Steph Cain will again captain Essendon in 2025.

The Bombers' inaugural captains, Toogood and Cain will be supported by Maddi Gay as vice-captain, while Steph Wales and Bess Keaney round out the leadership group.

Young players Amy Gaylor, Mia Busch, Emily Gough and Georgia Clarke also form an Emerging Leaders 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.

"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.

Ange Stannett will continue as Fremantle captain in 2025, supported by vice-captain Ash Brazill.

Despite not playing in 2024 as she rehabilitated an ACL injury, Stannett's off-field leadership was rated highly by the Dockers.

Stannett is on track to return to the field in round one to captain the side in a game for the first time.

"Ange is an exceptional leader who leads with purpose, humility and authenticity," Fremantle's AFLW boss Claire Heffernan said. 

"She had an opportunity last year to make the role her own and lead in a truly unique way, which she did with aplomb. 

"Ange embodies everything we stand for at Fremantle and she is hugely respected by the playing group, football staff and entire club. 

"After a personally challenging year on the sidelines, she was always able to show up, put the team first and make a positive impact, and I’m thrilled she’s on track to run out as captain for the first time this year." 

Gabby Newton has joined the Dockers' leadership group for the first time, joining Hayley Miller, Áine Tighe and Emma O’Driscoll.

Geelong has confirmed that Meghan McDonald will lead the club for a sixth straight season.

The defender will be supported by two co-vice-captains, incumbent Nina Morrison, and new addition Amy McDonald.

Morrison, Geelong's reigning best and fairest winner, is coming off a career-best season after being selected with pick No.1 in the 2018 Telstra AFLW Draft. Meanwhile McDonald is elevated to the vice captaincy for the first time as the club's most decorated AFLW player. She is a three-time club best and fairest winner, and was named an All-Australian in 2022 (S7).

"Meg is an outstanding leader who continues to drive our standards with consistency, care, and great integrity. She is well-respected by her teammates, staff and the AFL industry, and we are thrilled to have her continue to lead our group," Geelong head of AFLW Dominique Condo said.

"We are equally excited to see Nina continue to grow into a strong and confident leader. She sets the tone through her professionalism and competitiveness, and we're excited to see her take another step in her development this season.

"It's also a fantastic opportunity for Amy to step up as co-vice-captain. She has had a significant impact within the program both on and off the field, and her elevation reflects the respect she's earned from the group.

"While Meg, Nina and Amy will formally lead our group, we are very fortunate to have strong leaders right across the board that will help guide us on and off the field in 2025."

Gold Coast has made history, appointing Irishwoman Niamh McLaughin as its co-captain ahead of the 2025 NAB AFLW season.

Alongside homegrown product Lucy Single, the pair will take the helm under new coach Rhyce Shaw, after former captain Tara Bohanna and coach Cameron Joyce moved on last year.

McLaughin is the first Irish player to captain an AFLW side.

The 31-year-old arrived at the Suns for the 2023 AFLW season, and has played all but one game since making her debut. She has become known for her dash and willingness to take a bounce.

Meanwhile Single becomes the first Gold Coast Academy member to captain the club – women's or men's. Her work throughout the 2023 season brought attention back to taggers thanks to her ability to both stop an opponent, and win her own footy.

The duo will be supported by a broader leadership group that includes Meara Girvan, Jamie Stanton, Georgia Clayden, Charlie Rowbottom, and experienced recruit Lily Mithen.

"It's a fantastic opportunity, and a history making one, for both Lucy and Niamh to have earned the right to captain the Gold Coast Suns. Lucy has been a part of this club for almost 10 years now, both as a member of our Academy and a key part of our AFLW program since 2020," Gold Coast head of women's football Fiona Sessarago said.

"Her work ethic and desire to get the best of both herself and her teammates throughout her time in our program has been exemplary and we couldn't be more proud of her getting the chance to lead her hometown club.

"Niamh's experience and qualities as a leader have been evident since joining our club two seasons ago. While juggling the challenge of playing at the elite level in a third sport, she is a driver of high standards within the club and someone her teammates look to for guidance.

"Alongside Lucy and Niamh, we're thrilled for Meara and Lily to have earned their first official leadership positions with the Suns. With the added experience of Jamie, Georgia and Charlie, it's a well-balanced cohort that we believe can take our club to new heights as we embark on a fresh era."

Reigning best-and-fairest Bec Beeson has once again been appointed skipper of Greater Western Sydney.

Beeson took to captaincy like a duck to water last year, winning the Gabrielle Trainor medal in her first year in charge.

The versatile Cambridge McCormack has been nominated as an emerging leader, working alongside the unchanged leadership group of Alyce Parker, Tarni Evans and Katherine Smith.

"It's a testament of her leadership and character on and off the field to have Bec almost unanimously voted in again by her teammates and staff within the program and we look forward to watching her build on the incredible season she delivered in the role for 2025," Giants EGM of AFLW and footy operations Alison Zell said.

"It’s fantastic to see Tarni, Alyce and Katherine voted into the leadership group once again which is a great recognition of not only them as individuals, who embody our values of fearless, competitor and all in, but also of the consistency and stability of the group. 

"It's also great recognition of Cambridge as a young leader within our group and we'll give her a great opportunity to hone her leadership skills and work closely with the leadership group across the season."

Emily Bates has been voted in as Hawthorn captain for a second year, with Eliza West continuing as vice-captain.

Irish-born Aine McDonagh has joined the leadership group for the first time, with Jas Fleming, Jenna Richardson and Tilly Lucas-Rodd continuing as members of the group.

The 2022 (season six) AFLW best-and-fairest winner is on track to play her 100th AFLW match during 2025.

"We have great faith in Emily as captain and Eliza as vice-captain, as well as our wider leadership group in Tilly, Jasmine, Jenna and now Aine, to lead us in our next chapter this season," Hawks footy ops boss Max Bailey said.

“They’re all great leaders in their own way, who each bring something different to the table both on and off the field."

Melbourne has reappointed Kate Hore and Tyla Hanks as captain and vice-captain for the 2025 NAB AFLW season.

Hore, who took over the role in 2023 upon Daisy Pearce's retirement, has led the way both as the club's official captain, and as one of the League's most consistent goalkickers, sitting second on the AFLW's all-time leading goalkicker list with 81.

Meanwhile, Hanks is a two-time club best and fairest winner, and Melbourne's only AFLW Rising Star winner.

The pair will be supported by senior leaders Sarah Lampard and Paxy Paxman, while Maeve Chaplin and Eliza McNamara have been named emerging leaders.

"Every year, our playing group provide their input for who they would like to lead them. Overwhelmingly, they selected Kate and Tyla once again, which is a testament to their professionalism and the respect that the group holds for them," Melbourne head coach Mick Stinear said.

"The other feedback that we took on is the ability to recognise the emerging leaders in our group, of which we are fortunate enough to have many. Maeve and Eliza were the standouts through their peer feedback, which is due to their ability to get the best out of themselves and their teammates, and capacity to be fully invested in this group.

"It's a strong leadership group that blends experience and connection, and recognises six players in particular who are excited to make the program the best it can be."

Jas Garner will lead the Roos in 2025 after taking over the reins from premiership skipper Emma Kearney.

The 31-year-old becomes just the second captain of the club, with Kearney captaining North Melbourne for seven seasons starting from their inaugural season in 2019.

"I never thought I would captain a team one day. To be voted in by my teammates, it's really special. When I think of my whole career, it's definitely something I'm most proud of," Garner said.

"Kearns (Kearney) has helped build my leadership along the way. I know she's still going to be there to lean on, and I'm just excited that she doesn’t have to worry about captaincy, she can just go out there and play footy."

Joining Garner in the leadership group is midfield partner in crime Ash Riddell as vice-captain, defenders Nicole Bresnehan and Libby Birch and young stars Bella Eddey and Jasmine Ferguson.

"This group embodies the values we want to uphold as a team, and we're incredibly excited about the leaders we've assembled," North Melbourne general manager of women's football Erin Lorenzini said.

Justine Mules-Robinson will captain Port Adelaide for the first time in 2025 after former skipper Janelle Cuthbertson stepped down from the role to focus on her rehabilitation from an ACL injury.

A three-time Premiership player with Adelaide, Mules-Robinson crossed to the Power ahead of season seven, 2022, and has been a key figure in shaping the fledgling side.

"When I was first traded to Port, my beautiful late dad, Phil, told me I would be captain one day," Mules-Robinson said.

"I didn’t believe him at the time, but to now have this opportunity — and to be trusted by my teammates — means so much to me. I know he would be incredibly proud."

Amelie Borg and Julia Teakle will serve as co-vice-captains, with veteran Kirsty Lamb rounding out the leadership group.

Katie Brennan continues her reign as the longest-serving captain in the AFLW, appointed for a seventh season at Richmond and 10th overall, having served at the Western Bulldogs in the competition's early years.

Gabby Seymour and Tessa Lavey will also stay on as co-vice captains.

Ellie McKenzie and Beth Lynch have been elevated into the leadership group for the first time, joining Monique Conti, while Sarah Hosking steps out.

"[Brennan's appointment was] unanimous across the board, players, staff, coaches, anyone that ever walks into this place," coach Ryan Ferguson said.

"But something we have identified is that leadership is about anyone at any moment, and we have never had more of a breadth of people nominated (for a leadership position), voted for, or commented on than this year.

"Everyone at every moment is leading this team and obviously we have some great direction here and some great support to continue to challenge and inspire."

Hannah Priest will again captain St Kilda in 2025, supported by new vice-captain Serene Watson.

It's Priest's sixth year as captain, and her fifth as standalone captain, while Watson's appointment comes off the back of stellar on and off-field roles in her first season in St Kilda colours last season.

Former Giant Nicola Barr has joined a leadership group that featuers Georgia Patrikios, Tyanna Smith and Molly McDonald.

Priest paid tribute to former vice-captain Bianca Jakobsson who stepped down from the role ahead of the season. 

"Each year as our squad’s connection grows on and off the field, this opportunity remains evens more special and one that we don’t take for granted," Priest said.

"A special thank you to BJ [Jakobsson] who has been a rock to lead alongside for the past three years. Her leadership, care and experience have left a lasting imprint on this group. A dual All-Australian, club Best and Fairest winner and more importantly a genuine leader in every sense, who will always remain a strong and respected voice within the team.

"There’s been a really strong level of anticipation throughout pre-season, and we can’t wait to run out at home in round one to show the competition how much this group has evolved over the year."

Sydney is not making a public announcement of its full leadership group, but it has been confirmed Lucy McEvoy and Chloe Molloy will serve as co-captains for a third consecutive season.

Speaking at a press conference in mid-July, McEvoy said she was looking forward to getting Molloy (ACL) back on the park this year.

"The biggest impact you can have as a leader is on field, and being in the moment and standing up when the team needs you the most, and she's looking forward to doing that more than anybody. I'm so glad that she's back out there with me," McEvoy said.

"At times last year, I was probably a little bit lost without her naturally, so to have her patrolling the forward line, mid-forward line – it'll be really comforting knowing that she's back out there and I can bounce off her a little bit more. 

"In saying that, a lot of the girls have been brilliant in stepping up into more leadership roles this year and pulling their way out on the field, which is really exciting."

West Coast is looking to the future with the appointment of co-captains Bella Lewis and Charlie Thomas.

The duo take the reins from inaugural captain Emma Swanson, who stepped down from the role ahead of the 2025 season.

In addition to being two of the Eagles' best players, the appointment of 22-year-old Lewis and 21-year-old Thomas signals a new era of West Coast, continuing the reinvention of the side under second-year coach Daisy Pearce.

"She is a competitor, always looking to improve and for a young player to be able to do those things whilst having an impact on everyone around her is really impressive," Pearce said of Lewis.

"Charlie is a natural leader. Humble, consistent and elite in her performance. Even while earning individual accolades, her focus remains on the team and helping others thrive.

"We’ve already seen them work together in a really collaborative way, and we know they’ll form a strong partnership in these roles.”

Mikayla Western will take on the role of vice-captain, while veterans Dana Hooker and Alison Drennan round out the leadership group.

Deanna Berry will continue as the Western Bulldogs' captain in 2025. Former captain Ellie Blackburn will act as vice-captain, with recruit Lou Stephenson and Elisabeth Georgostathis joining last year's leadership group of Elle Bennetts, Isabelle Pritchard, Jess Fitzgerald and Issy Grant.

"Being chosen to lead this group again is super exciting," Berry said.

"I learnt a lot about myself and the group last year, so I’m just super stoked to see where we can take our footy this season.

"The biggest lesson I learnt was that you don’t have to do everything yourself…leaning on the support around you is so important, and that’s not only the girls in the leadership group but also everyone in the team."