McDonald to lead AFLW Cats in Season 8

GEELONG skipper Meg McDonald will remain at the helm with the club appointing the two-time All-Australian as AFLW captain for a fourth-straight season.

McDonald, already the longest-serving captain of Geelong’s women’s side, will lead the Cats in Season 8.

Alongside McDonald will be the rest of the Cats’ leadership group, featuring four other Cats.

Nina Morrison has been re-elected vice-captain, while Chantel Emonson, Becky Webster and Mikayla Bowen form the rest of the group.

“The significant development of our team throughout 2022 has everyone as excited, committed, and invested as ever ahead of the coming season,” McDonald said.

“That progress has been driven by the collective, one that it remains a great honour to be part of, let alone to lead.

“I look at my teammates and see them strengthen and expand their abilities and deepen their connection with each new season.

“We’re ready and raring to unlock new levels together in 2023.”

Team captains and leaders were decided via a player-led process, with the playing squad and key staff nominating and voting on candidates.

Appointments were then ratified by the Cats’ board.

Morrison has three seasons under her belt in the Cats’ leadership group, playing nine out of a possible 10 games in Season 7, averaging 13.8 disposals, 6.4 contested possessions and 5.9 tackles a game.

Webster has played 40 games at Geelong across five seasons and is part of the leadership group for the second consecutive season.

Webster was selected at Pick 7 in the 2018 National Draft and has continued her ascension since joining the Cats’ midfield.

Emonson joined the Cats in Season 6 from Melbourne, playing all 21 games since debuting for the Cats.

Bowen was elevated to the leadership group for the first time off the back of an impressive first season at GMHBA Stadium in Season 7 after signing from West Coast.

“We are extremely excited to reappoint Meg to lead our talented group alongside her deputy Nina again in 2023, they did an outstanding job last year and we feel as though they both will continue to grow as leaders of our club,” Cats head of AFLW and football pathways Brett Johnson said.

“Throughout the club, we feel that leadership is something instilled throughout the playing group, and we are proud to have these players lead our club and support their growth in chasing greatness both on and off the field.”

Geelong’s coming AFLW season kicks off with a Round 1 clash against Western Bulldogs at GMHBA Stadium on September 2 at 5.05pm.