Essendon’s 2019 VFLW squad has been revealed ahead of next week’s season opener against Casey.                         

Families and partners attended the unveiling at a jumper presentation at Windy Hill this week, with inaugural VFLW president and Essendon board member Katie Lio in attendance.           

After a challenging pre-season that included losses to Southern Saints (58 points) and Hawthorn (82), the VFLW Dons will be looking to build on their 2018 season.   

Senior coach Brendan Major will once again lead the Bombers, joined by assistants Wayne Schultz, Bernard Sheppard and Brett Pollard.  

Major said his side was looking to take the next step forward after last year’s inaugural season.   

“Moving into our second season, our players have solidified the teachings of last year and they strive to develop and improve,” Major said.   

“We’ve had a few players come in, with what I’ve considered to be genuine outside speed in Marianna Anthony, Libby Hosking, Courtney Ugle and Ruby Svarc.   

“This pre-season has been a really long one, it’s been gruelling, it’s been relentless, and their preparation has been exceptional.”      

Essendon’s 2019 VFLW squad will feature an exciting mix of youth and experience.

Several former AFLW players have been selected, including Maighan Fogas (Geelong), ex-Carlton duo Shae Audley and Hayley Trevean and former Magpie Cecilia McIntosh.       

Former Western Bulldogs VFLW player Elise Muller was one of many players to make the move to Essendon.     

“It’s about having the community embrace your identity and that’s why I made the move to Essendon, and it really confirmed that I made the right choice the second I stepped into the door,” Muller said.     

Among the new Bomber recruits are Indigenous rookies Freda Puruntatameri (Tiwi Bombers), Jessica Stassi (NT Thunder) and Arthurina Moreen (Tiwi Bombers).  

Emerging youngsters Gloria Elarmaly (Calder Cannons), Alana Barba (Calder Cannons) and Felicity Theodore (Calder Cannons) also join after playing in the NAB League in recent years.         

Thirty-five senior-listed players re-signed from last year, headlined by new skipper Courtney Ugle and vice-captains Simone Nalder and Hayley Bullas.      

 “To stand up here and be named captain is an absolutely amazing achievement for myself, but an absolute honour,” Ugle said.

“(Pre-season) has been absolutely hard work. We’ve had some pretty tough sessions and to see the girls pull through those tough times really makes me admire the group we have. I’m just excited to see what we can do as a collective come round one.”

  
Coach Brendan Major with new VFLW captain Courtney Ugle. (Photo: Ben Johnstone)

This season will be Ugle’s first time leading the VFLW group as captain.    

The 23-year-old played a vital role in the Bombers’ 2018 season, averaging 15 disposals and five tackles from her 13 games.      

“I think the biggest thing that I can add to the group is that I genuinely care for the girls here and I really like to bring out the best in each individual and I think I play that role really well,” she said.  

“The best thing about the group is that we’re not stuck in our own ways, we are open to learning and I think that is an exciting thing because the vision that this club and the coaching staff has is very exciting.”

Major said he was looking forward to seeing what the new additions would bring to the squad in 2019.

“We’re actually seeing consistent development from the whole group, so everybody has bought into the program, everybody has worked, and it’s really shown up on the track,” he said.   

“The development of strong leadership will lead the group to great things this season.”  

VFL operations manager Ash Brown said developing rookies such as Stephanie Hird (daughter of James Hird), Carla Rendelmann and Georgia Harvey would still have the opportunity to be selected this season.  

“Certainly, throughout the year, we’re going to need some great quality people that can potentially come on and play a role on our list and I’ve got no doubt that these women can do that,” he said.     

The Bombers will host Casey on Saturday, May 11, in what marks the first of eight home games at Windy Hill.

2019 VFLW FIXTURE

ESSENDON'S 2019 VFLW SQUAD

Development rookies: Stephanie Hird, Carla Rendelmann, Jess Domenico, Steph Harvie, Georgia Harvey, Paige Whitworth     

Victoria Raptis is in the final year of her Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree at RMIT University. As part of their strategic partnership, Essendon Football Club and RMIT University are committed to providing opportunities for students, staff, players and the wider community.