Steph Cain and Bonnie Toogood have been named Essendon Co-Captains for a third consecutive season.

It was announced to the playing group on Tuesday morning that the pair would continue their leadership duties into the 2024 season, having shared the mantle since the club's inaugural season.

The Bombers have also unveiled a new-look leadership group to support the Co-Captains. Experienced recruits Bess Keaney and Maddi Gay were announced as leaders in their first year with the club, and Sophie Alexander joined the leadership group for the first time.

Entering a third season as Co-Captain, Cain's grateful for the opportunity to go again in the role.

“It's a massive privilege to be voted in again alongside Bonnie to captain this football club and lead our team. As a program, we have done an immense amount of work this offseason to elevate our list and our profile moving forward,” Cain said.

“To have the likes of Bess and Maddi Gay join our leadership group is testament to that and the characters and people that they are. Soph Alexander has just put an immense amount of work to better herself and has really elevated herself to help drive where we want our program to be.

“Our group has so much growth and its super exciting to be able to tap into that and help lead the way forward alongside Bonnie, Mads, Bess and Sophie.”

The 28-year-old averaged a career-high 13.8 disposals per game for the Bombers last season, playing a key role in propelling the side to an inaugural finals appearance despite an ill-timed injury at the back end of the campaign.

Consummate professionalism and work ethic have defined Cain's tenure at the Bombers so far, consistently setting an example for her younger teammates.

Fellow Co-Captain Toogood returns to the role after a career-best season in 2023.

The 26-year-old was named the All-Australian Vice-Captain and claimed a maiden club Best and Fairest, among other accolades, establishing herself as one of the finest forwards in the game.

A lifelong Bombers supporter, Toogood's ready to embrace the role for another season alongside Cain.

"Firstly, being named Co-Captain alongside Steph Cain is such a privilege, she is a wonderful leader and I love doing it with her," Toogood said.

"It has been discussed how our leadership styles and personalities complement one another. Honestly, there's no one else I'd want to co-captain alongside. She is a phenomenal human being and this team is very lucky to have her.

"It isn't lost on us the responsibility and making sure we represent this playing group. To our teammates, they are absolutely incredible people, and they make our job very easy."

Toogood also celebrated Gay, Keaney and Alexander's elevation to the leadership group.

"Huge congratulations to Maddi Gay, Bess Keaney and Sophie Alexander. I could not be happier for the three of them. To Bess and Mads, it's a huge testament to come into a new program and impact this group so quickly," Toogood said.

"Bess has extreme care and is one of the most curious people I've ever met. Maddi brings a wealth of knowledge and has been able to impact our young players early.

"When it comes to Soph Alexander, this elevation is a huge testament to the hard work she's put in not only over the past two seasons but especially this off-season. She's been incredible in driving and holding the standards we want in this program, and we have recognised that as teammates. She should be very proud of where she has gotten to and the leadership she is displaying.

"We are excited for what the 2024 season brings."

For Senior Coach Natalie Wood, Toogood and Cain epitomise the program's values and set the standards for their fellow teammates.

"Over our first two years, Steph and Bonnie, as co-captains, have led our program from the front with undeniable passion, care, and desire for team success and have been instrumental in building the foundations of our program," Wood said.

"They work closely together to unite the playing group; they complement each other with their leadership attributes and strengths. Their relationship enables them to lead with purpose, grow their individual game, and have the ability to impact the field."

Toogood and Cain will be supported by teammates Keaney, Gay and Alexander in the five-person leadership group.

An inaugural Bomber, Alexander's elevation to the leadership group is fantastic reward for the 31-year-old.

Alexander has been a standout performer across the club's first three AFLW seasons, both in terms of her on-field versatility and off-field character.

Switching to red and black after seven seasons in the AFLW system with both Carlton and Melbourne, Gay's impact was felt immediately at the NEC Hangar.

The 27-year-old's defensive work rate has been evident in the early months of her first pre-season at the club, but it's her ability to lead by example and set standards that has stood out to Wood and the playing group, who voted her into the leadership group.

The sentiment is similar toward Keaney, who's provided a cool head for the playing group since joining from the Gold Coast SUNS over the off-season.

After four seasons on the Gold Coast, the 32-year-old defender's willingness to support her younger teammates and instil valuable experience has stood out within the program this pre-season.

"It is exciting to welcome three new players to make a five-person leadership group. Bess Keaney and Maddi Gay, as new players to Essendon, it is a testament to their characters and leadership to have a positive impact so quickly," Wood said.  

"Their support and guidance on the field will be particularly beneficial to our captains and their ability to help influence widely.

"Sophie Alexander is an exciting addition to this group. 'Soph' inspired many this season with her off-season diligence and desire for team success. She has been leading younger players and has made a concerted effort this season to leave no stone unturned.

"This is great recognition from all their peers for their hard work and inclusiveness."

Wood also highlighted the impact Maddy Prespakis, Georgia Nanscawen and Jacqui Vogt had throughout their time in the leadership group.

"I'd like to acknowledge Georgia Nanscawen, Jacqui Vogt and Maddy Prespakis. Their leadership has been pivotal in building the foundation of our culture," Wood said.

"Their symbolic leadership of driving standards and leading by example has been important to our program. I am very grateful for the role each of them has played; they are important to the fabric of our club, and I know wholeheartedly that they'll continue to lead in their way and be important role models in everything they do."

Essendon's 2024 AFLW campaign is nearing closer, with it set to officially kick off when they face Fremantle at Windy Hill on Saturday, August 31.

In the meantime, the squad's first match simulation hit-out will take place on Saturday, August 10 against the Hawks at Caulfield Grammar.