The VFLW Bombers are proud to announce that Mia-Rae Clifford and Courtney Ugle will lead the team for the 2023 season.

For the first time in club history, the VFLW Bombers will have Indigenous Co-Captains, with the pair announced at tonight’s guernsey presentation at The NEC Hangar. 

Rounding out the leadership group is Maddi Wilson and Bella Clarke, who will support the Co-Captains in leading this side.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 03: Mia-Rae Clifford of the Bombers, Georgia Nanscawen of the Bombers and Brendon Major, Head Coach of the Bombers lift the premiership cup during the 2022 VFLW Grand Final match between Essendon and the Southern Saints at ETU Stadium on July 03, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

Clifford will lead the side for a second year in a row, while Ugle returns to the role that she held throughout the 2019 season.

Ugle and Clifford were both instrumental in the Bombers’ Premiership winning 2022 campaign, with the pair leading the way for the club to build on their successful program.

Ugle, an inaugural VFLW Bomber, moved from her home state of Western Australia to join the club in 2018, going on to hold various leadership positions throughout her five seasons at The NEC Hangar.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 03: Courtney Ugle, Alana Barba and Natalie MacDonald of the Bombers celebrate during the 2022 VFLW Grand Final match between Essendon and the Southern Saints at ETU Stadium on July 03, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos)

Arriving at the Bombers ahead of the 2021 season, Clifford’s experience from her three seasons at AFLW level has been influential setting standards and expectations for the program.

Head of VFLW Georgia Harvey said the pair will be fantastic leaders for their fellow VFLW teammates.

“Mia-Rae and Courtney both epitomise what it means to be an Essendon person,” Harvey said.

“While on-field they are vocal and lead by example, it is the off-field support that they provide to their teammates that really highlights their leadership capabilities.

“Alongside Travis (Cloke), our leadership team are launching into season 2023 with a real hunger and desire for sustained success within our women’s program.”

The VFLW Bombers will kick off their 2023 rebel VFLW season on Sunday, March 26 at the NEC Hangar when they take on the Box Hill Hawks from 11:00am, where they’ll also be unveiling their 2022 VFLW Premiership flag.