Katie Brennan will lead Richmond for a second season after a unanimous vote to remain the Club’s AFLW captain from players and football staff.

Brennan, the Tigers’ inaugural skipper and first AFLW signing will head up a seven-person leadership group that includes four new voices.

“I’m honoured and proud to be able to represent the group and am just extremely excited for the year ahead under ‘Ferg’ (new AFLW coach Ryan Ferguson),” Brennan told Richmond Media.

“He has really given us the keys to drive all of the standards and expectations, which is what our leadership group has been phenomenal at doing, and we are excited about where 2021 can take us.

“Our leadership group dynamic is amazing; we are covering off all different personalities, and each leader will be able to cater to and support all members of our team, not only the playing group but all staff as well.”

New midfield recruit Sarah Hosking will support Brennan as vice-captain after being voted in by her peers, underlining her immediate impact at the Swinburne Centre.

“From day one, Sarah was incredible at bringing the group together and building friendships and deep care for everyone within the program,” Brennan said.

“I’m super excited to be working with her, and she will bring so much to our leadership group and playing group with her experience.”

Phoebe Monahan, who had a career-best season in a new leadership role last season, has again been included in the group, as has Christina Bernardi, who captained the Tigers on two occasions last year.

“Phoebe is our stoic leader out on the field. She was incredible last year, standing up and bringing the heat when we needed it. She is someone in our group that the girls love to look up to and be led by,” Brennan said.

“The same can be said with ‘Benno’; she is always bringing the group together and challenging our players and wanting the absolute best from them.”

Included in the new faces added to the leadership group this season, is key forward Sabrina Frederick, who Brennan says was the team’s rock over the peak COVID-19 restrictions period.

“Sabrina was so inspirational and really got us going. We were doing challenges with her every day and then able to watch all her hard work come to fruition when she went into SAS, which we were really proud of,” Brennan added.

“She has come back in exceptional nick and once again just wants the best for the group and drives standards, which we love about her.”

Former Demon Harriet Cordner and utility Alana Woodward round out the group.

“Harriet is such a workhorse on the track and is one of our hardest trainers. She will bring a wealth of experience to our backline and group, and we are really excited to have her as one of our leaders,” Brennan said.

Woodward is coming into just her second year of AFLW after being elevated from the Richmond VFLW program.

“I think it is an amazing achievement to be voted in by her peers off the back of that,” Brennan said.

“She is another that is a workhorse and has such deep care for our girls and the group. She is so incredibly deserving of a spot within this group.”

Richmond Head of Women’s Football, Kate Sheahan, said Brennan’s excellent leadership throughout 2020 was a testament to her character.

“Through a challenging season and year in general, Katie has led our group and represented the Club with the ultimate professionalism and class,” she said.

“Katie is a great person and captain, and we are thrilled she can continue as the leader of our group.

“We are rapt for all the girls included in the leadership group and look forward to seeing them play their role in driving us forward.”

Richmond AFLW 2021 Leadership Group:

Katie Brennan (captain)

Sarah Hosking (vice-captain)

Christina Bernardi

Phoebe Monahan

Sabrina Frederick

Alana Woodward

Harriet Cordner