Star Richmond forward Katie Brennan will continue in her role as Richmond AFLW captain for a third season.
Brennan, 29, was the Tigers’ inaugural AFLW recruit upon entry to the competition and the Club’s first-ever AFLW skipper. She led Richmond to the team’s first three wins last season, booting multiple goals in each.
The inspirational leader was named centre half-forward in the 2021 AFLW All Australian team, a reward for her career-best season.
Brennan will head a three-person leadership group with experienced defender Harriet Cordner and reliable midfielder Sarah Hosking her vice-captains.
Cordner was a revelation down back after crossing to Richmond from Melbourne last season, taking her game to a new level as an elite marking defender.
Hosking who was also in her first season at the Swinburne Centre, further enhanced her reputation as a reliable and tenacious inside midfielder with a consistent campaign.
The 25-year-old, who will be into her second year as Richmond vice-captain, was also voted by her teammates and Club staff as the Bunjil Award winner in 2021 for best driving connection within the group and across the business.
Brennan said she was humbled to be able to represent the Tigers as captain for a third season.
“We took big some big steps under ‘Ferg’ (Ryan Ferguson) last season and are excited about what we can achieve in 2022,” she added.
“As leaders, we take responsibility in really driving the standards and we are rapt by the way the girls have been embracing that this off-season.”
Brennan said it had been particularly exciting to see the increased leadership output of younger players across the past few months.
“Monique Conti, Maddy Brancatisano, Bec Miller and Gabby Seymour have really stepped up in that regard which is a credit to them and helps spread the load with us, experienced leaders,” she said.
“Harriet and Sarah, of course as well, they have been terrific since coming into our group on and off the field and I cannot wait to work with them again this year.”
Richmond Head of Women’s Football, Kate Sheahan added that Brennan’s leadership had been exemplary across the past three years.
“Katie represents our Club and program in such a high manner, it is fitting that she has been appointed by her peers as captain for the 2022 season.
“In Katie, Sarah, and Harriet we have three excellent leaders for our program, and they are being well supported by a host of other emerging leaders within the group.
“We cannot wait for the upcoming season and are looking forward to the Tiger Army seeing what we have been working on, in just a couple of months.”
Richmond 2022 AFLW Leadership Group
Katie Brennan (captain)
Sarah Hosking (vice-captain)
Harriet Cordner (vice-captain)
