On the eve of Richmond’s first AFLW season, the Club is proud to announce that Katie Brennan will captain Richmond’s inaugural AFLW team.

A star of the AFLW competition since its inception in 2017, and one of the league’s original marquee signings, Brennan, 27, will lead Richmond’s first ever AFLW team in season 2020.

The midfielder-forward was Richmond’s first AFLW signing in April last year after previously captaining the Bulldog’s AFLW team from 2017-2019, where she played 13 games and kicked 15 goals across three seasons.

Supporting Brennan and the team in leadership roles is Christina Bernardi (vice captain), and Lauren Tesoriero and Phoebe Monahan (deputy vice captains).

The trio are all experienced AFLW campaigners with Bernardi playing for Collingwood (2017-18) and GWS GIANTS in 2019 for a total of 20 games, Tesoriero played 11 games for Collingwood from 2017-18, and Monahan spent two seasons (10 games) with the GIANTS from 2018-19.

Brennan, who was voted in by her peers, said it was a "privilege" to be a part of such a well-rounded leadership group.

"I think we represent the girls really well across the board, we're all slightly different," Brennan said

"'Pheebs' is the standard-setter at the club, she prepares incredibly well, she leads with her actions out there and she will represent us in the backline."

"Lauren is incredible, not only has she formed this group and brought everyone together, she's also someone that makes this team and this place feel like more than a football club, it's more like a family."

"'Benno', she's an incredible person...she's amazing at bringing the girls together and really representing our group. She challenges the girls but she also inspires them."

Richmond’s Head of Women’s Football, Kate Sheahan said the Club is fortunate to have leaders such as Brennan, Bernardi, Tesoriero and Monahan at the Club.

“We knew that Katie would have a positive impact on our group of players when she arrived at our Club almost a year ago,” Sheahan said.

“It’s wonderful to be able to announce her as our first ever AFLW captain. She has great leadership qualities and elite training standards, which helps to drive our playing group.

“We’re also rapt for Christina, Lauren and Phoebe to support and lead our group, they’re all outstanding young women.

“Announcing our captain and leaders brings us a step closer to starting our AFLW season, which is incredibly exciting for our Club, and we can’t wait to run out in front of our fans for the season opener on February 7.”

Richmond opens the 2020 AFLW season against Carlton at IKON Park on Friday, February 7.

To support Richmond’s inaugural AFLW team, become a Richmond AFLW member today, click here.

To get to know some more about our inaugural AFLW squad, click here.