Bonnie Toogood and Steph Cain will continue to lead Essendon’s AFLW program for the 2023 season, with the pair re-appointed as co-captains for a second year.

Jacqui Vogt and Georgia Nanscawen will continue in their leadership positions, while three-time All Australian Madison Prespakis has been voted in by her peers, rounding out the five-person leadership group.

The co-captains were instrumental in the Bombers’ inaugural year, both playing all 10 games and finishing in the club’s top-three in the Best and Fairest.

Cain led from the front through the Bombers’ midfield. Her determined spirit combined with her endurance saw her set the tone with tough tackles and breakaway speed.

With 54 games under her belt, Cain is the most experienced player at the Bombers, having played six seasons at Fremantle before making the move to the NEC Hangar.

Cain said she was privileged to lead the club for a second year alongside Toogood.

“It’s a privilege to continue to lead the group alongside Bonnie. To have the backing of the playing group and club makes you feel pretty grateful,” Cain said.

“Working with Bon fills me with so much confidence. I stand taller alongside her and we have such a shared passion in the responsibility of driving this group forward.

“Supported by Jaq, Georgia and Maddy, who all have different strengths, is such a benefit for our group heading into the upcoming season.”

Fellow co-captain Toogood was a key target up forward, averaging 13 disposals, eight kicks per game, and seven goals for the season while also claiming the Player Value and the Best Club Person awards.

The 24-year-old was rewarded for her excellent season with an All-Australian Squad nomination.

Toogood welcomed the addition of Prespakis to the group and was thrilled to continue her position with Cain.

“I feel incredibly honoured and privileged to be named co-captain alongside Steph for our upcoming season,” Toogood said.

“I really enjoy leading with ‘Caino’. We are different in our leadership styles but fundamentally have the same values, so we complement each other well and I look forward to continuing to learn off her.

“Last year, Jac, Georgia, ‘Caino’ and I grew so much together as a leadership group and, with Maddy, we get another opportunity to represent this amazing program and club to build off what we started last year.

“I couldn’t be prouder of the development and growth Maddy has shown this off-season and is so deserving to be a part of the leadership group.”

Essendon Senior Coach Natalie Wood said the co-captains are excellent role models who complement each other with their leadership styles. 

“We are very pleased to have our dynamic duo in Steph and Bonnie leading us again,” Wood said. 

“Steph is so focussed and determined with everything she does. She is extremely caring to her teammates but also pushes them along to ensure we are getting the best out of everyone. 

“Bonnie has an impressive ability to switch to game mode, be fiercely competitive, focusing on her performance whilst still having that caring balance to ensure she is bringing her teammates along on the journey.

“The whole program walks taller when these two are leading us and we look forward to what the pair will bring with them this year.”

Joining the leadership group is reigning AFLW Best and Fairest Player Prespakis, who excelled in the midfield last year, playing all 10 games and averaging 24 disposals. 

A lifelong Bombers’ supporter, Prespakis’ passion and love for the red and black was on display in the club’s first-ever game when the 22-year-old grabbed the sash of her guernsey in celebration of her first goal. 

It was Prespakis’ driven nature that stood out to her teammates throughout the selection process.

“Maddy is constantly looking for ways to grow as a person and to help her teammates grow, which is a key reason why her teammates voted her in as a leader of our program,” Wood said.

“She’s not only driven to being the best footballer she can, but she’s also so determined to help develop the program and her teammates. 

“This is a great reward for Maddy to be elevated to the leadership group.”

Another key cog to the Bombers’ line-up, Vogt’s guidance and experience was integral to the team’s inaugural year. 

Finishing fifth in the club’s Best and Fairest, Vogt impressed with her strength and explosiveness around the contests and across the ground. 

Wood said that Vogt’s team-first attitude and professionalism sets her up to be an excellent leader for the program. 

“Jacqui is the ultimate professional and she is always willing to do what’s needed for the team,” Wood said. 

“Her no-fuss attitude and her passion for driving her teammates while still pushing herself makes her an excellent role model.”

2023 will see Essendon’s first-ever AFLW signing, Georgia Nanscawen, line up in the red and black. 

The former-Hockeyroo missed the last season due to suffering an ACL injury but continued to guide her fellow teammates from the sidelines. 

Nanscawen’s leadership resume at the club extends further than AFLW, with the midfielder captaining Essendon’s VFLW side for two years, including to the 2022 VFLW Premiership. 

“We are so glad to have Georgia back on the field this year. Her resilience over the past twelve months has been incredible. Not only to front up for herself throughout her recovery but also to be there time and time again for her teammates is just outstanding,” Wood said.

“Georgia’s positivity and willingness to expand her game knowledge and her teammates’ game has really resonated throughout the program.”

The 2023 AFLW season will start the first weekend in September with the fixture expected to be released shortly.