Barwon Heads junior to spearhead AFLW side

A FAMILIAR face from the Bellarine will be leading the Sydney Swans out onto the field during the coming 2023 NAB AFLW season.

Barwon Heads junior Lucy McEvoy will join former Collingwood Magpies sharpshooter Chloe Molloy in co-captaining the side for only the Swans’ second year in the elite competition.

Voted into the position by her peers, McEvoy has reportedly made a profound impression on the playing group since moving to the Harbour City from the Carlton Blues during the 2023 AFLW trade period.

The 22-year-old said she couldn’t wait to embrace her new role as co-captain.

“This is a really special playing group and to have the opportunity to co-captain the team is one of the highlights of my career so far,” McEvoy told Swans media.

“There are plenty of reasons to be excited about the new season, and I will be doing everything I possibly can to do the jumper proud on and off the field.”

Sydney Swans AFLW coach Scott Gowans said McEvoy and Molloy would bring a wealth of experience and professionalism to a young and exciting group.

“We’re incredibly excited to have Chloe Molloy and Lucy McEvoy lead our team in 2023.

“Both have natural leadership qualities, a strong desire to succeed, and have demonstrated resilience as they have both had to overcome injuries.

“They are the ultimate professionals on and off the field and we’re excited to see what impact they will have in 2023.”

McEvoy and Molloy take over the duties from inaugural co-captains Maddy Collier, Lauren Szigeti, and Brooke Lochland.

The Swans will start the AFLW season with back-to-back home games at North Sydney Oval, starting with a clash against cross-town foes Greater Western Sydney Giants on September 3.