AFLW 2024: Ange Stannett admits she was surprised to become Fremantle Dockers captain

Fremantle star Ange Stannett admits she was surprised to learn she had been voted in as the club’s new AFLW captain in a dramatic move that overthrows Hayley Miller. Stannett was sensationally unveiled as just the third full-time captain in club history on Wednesday, despite an ACL injury ruling her out for the entire season. Miller, who led the club for three seasons, has taken on a role as one of three vice-captains in an expanded leadership group. Stannett was the winner of a vote that polled players and coaching staff over their preference as captain on Thursday. Those results were put to the club’s board at the weekend and ratified in time to be announced when AFLW players returned on Tuesday. The 27-year-old said she had spoken to Miller, but not had the chance to sit down with her to discuss the move, but insisted the former captain would give her full support. She also admitted she wasn’t “entirely comfortable” with the fact she won’t be able to contribute on the field during her first season at the helm. When asked if there was an element of surprise at the decision, Stannett said: “I’m not going to lie”. “I wouldn’t say hesitation, but I’m probably fully yet to be comfortable with the idea that I won’t be able to contribute physically on the field,” she said. “But in terms of excitement and feeling prepared to step into this role, I’m absolutely really excited and ready to do that and get my hands dirty anyway that I can for the group. “We all have a lot of faith in the process that the club has been through and had conversations and we can now move.” Stannett, a former Perth Glory soccer player, is a remarkably popular member of Fremantle’s playing group and has won their club person of the year award four times. She also claimed her maiden best-and-fairest last season after spending time playing across all three lines. The West Australian understands Miller is contracted to the Dockers on a multi-year deal. She knocked back significant interest from cross-town rivals West Coast when they entered the competition four years ago. In a brief statement as part of the club’s shock announcement on Wednesday, Miller said she was sad to be handing over the captaincy. “I’ve been so proud and honoured to captain this team for the past three seasons,” she said. “It’s been the highlight of my career so far and I think it’s natural to feel a little level of sadness to move out of that role. “But I get to hand over the captaincy to Ange Stannett, someone who embodies our trademark in everything she does. “I know she will do an incredible job and I will be right by her side in this next phase for our club.” Stannett paid tribute to Miller, who will come into strong contention to captain the club on game days, alongside forward Aine Tighe and defender Laura Pugh. New recruit and former netball star Ash Brazil has joined the leadership group with emerging talent Emma O’Driscoll. “Hayley is an exceptional person and player and we know what to expect from Hayley, she is still going to be that exceptional person and player and leader for our club and Hayley has thrown her support behind myself and the leadership group and she is going to be playing a significant role for our group moving forward this year,” Stannett said. “It is going to be a change and we will navigate that change throughout the year, but it comes back to what’s going to be right for the team and what’s best. “I’m really excited to see Hayley in her role this year.”