With the VFLW season set to kick off in April, Essendon have locked in their coaching and leadership groups for the year ahead.

Skipper El Chaston and Senior Coach Cherie O’Neill will continue to lead the Club’s VFLW program for a second consecutive season, looking to build off their finals appearance with last year’s predominantly new-look list.

The wider leadership group this year holds more familiar faces, with 2023 VFLW Best and Fairest winner Sophie Molan to serve as Vice-Captain in support of last year’s winner Chaston.

The group will be rounded out by former AFLW Swan Sarah Ford, last season’s B&F third place Ashlea Melnikas and former AFLW All-Australian Christina Bernardi.

While not formally in the leadership group, young key forward Jayda Richardson has also been recognised by her teammates and coaches as an Emerging Leader for the upcoming season.

On the coaching front, O’Neill will lead a mix of new inclusions and experienced Essendon Coaches across the three lines.

Midfield Coach Adam Tardif joins most recently from Maribyrnong Park’s men’s program, after spending time with Williamstown’s VFLW and under-19 men’s VAFA sides, holding a heavy focus on development in the women’s football space.

Tom McGuigan joins the club as the backline coach after spending four years at Darebin Football Club in two different roles, one as head coach in the NFNL, senior women's reserves and in 2024 the VFLW sides backline coach.

Anthony Woodcock is also on board for a second season as Forwards Coach, after a plethora of different experiences in the women’s space with the Calder Cannons, Caulfield Grammar and the Woodend Football Club.

The VFLW Bombers kick off their campaign on Saturday, April 19 in a clash against rivals Port Melbourne at ETU Stadium.