New VFLW skipper Courtney Ugle says she is “over the moon” to take the reins in 2019 as the Bombers look to take their game to the next level in their second ever season.
Ugle was announced as the replacement for departed former captain Lisa Williams at the club’s jumper presentation this week and she said it was a massive honour to be voted into the role by her teammates.
“I don’t necessarily think of it as me leading the side, but I sure as hell have so much pride that my peers have trusted me to be the one to have that title next to my name,” Ugle said.
“I’m just absolutely rapt, over the moon and just honoured.”
Emulating the efforts of Williams in the side’s history-making season in 2018 will be a key goal for Ugle as she watches over the next chapter for the team.
“Being the captain for the inaugural side, she definitely set the bar in terms of what a leader should look like and be like.
“I spoke very highly of her at the presentation, because she deserves so much praise. As a person, she has amazing qualities and traits and she definitely brought that into her captaincy and leadership.
“It’s something I admire so much and I hope I can have the same impact on other girls that she had on me.”
Ugle addresses the side after being announced as the club's second ever women's captain. (Image: Ben Johnstone)
A former captain of her previous home state of Western Australia, Ugle’s leadership style is one of genuine care.
“I think what I can bring to the group as a leader is that I really want to bring the best out of each individual and I think that’s the role I’ll play regardless of being involved in footy or not.
“I really want to bring the best out of people and it’s exciting to see the development and growth of any individual.”
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Ugle will be joined by vice-captains Hayley Bullas and Simone Nalder, and experienced Dons Kirby Hicks and Kendra Heil in a versatile leadership group this year.
“Regardless of the title that’s next to my name, it doesn’t mean that I call the shots or I’m the one who says how things go, because that’s not what I think a leader is.
“It is just a powerhouse leadership group and I have full trust and faith in the group that we will carry this team as a collective.
“It’s super exciting and I can’t wait to see them shine as well.”
Ugle has achieved a remarkable amount at just 22 years of age and having arrived at The Hangar just days before the start of the season last year as she chased her footballing dreams.
She was among the standouts for the side in 2018, finishing second in the best and fairest and impressing with her athleticism and leadership.
Courtney Ugle starred for the VFLW Bombers in 2018. (Image: Ben Johnstone)
Her latest achievement claiming the captaincy is simply the cherry on top of a sensational 12 months since packing her life up and moving to Melbourne.
“I’m definitely not one to ever pump my own tires. I keep saying I’m so lucky, but I think I have to start saying that I’ve worked hard.
“I’ve really worked hard to be where I am today and I’m super grateful to have the support around me to have made it possible for me to be where I am now.
“I’m very proud that I can represent myself, my family and my parents with all that I’ve done in this short time.”
Bullas was full of praise for her new skipper, who she said is a terrific person for the young squad to look up to.
“From her coming in two days before the start of the season last year to now leading us is pretty incredible,” Bullas said.
“She has worked super hard to be where she is at and it’s a testament to her.
“She’s paved the way this year and she leads by example and I think that’s why a lot of girls have chosen her to be our skipper, she’s just a great role model for everybody.”
The Bombers’ season will kick off next Saturday against Casey Demons at Windy Hill from 11:30am.
