West Coast name Emma Swanson captain of Eagles’ AFLW side for a sixth consecutive season

Emma Swanson will captain West Coast’s AFLW side for a sixth-consecutive season after being voted in as their leader by her teammates. Swanson will lead a new-look leadership group alongside Bella Lewis, who will remain vice-captain alongside reigning club champion Charlie Thomas who has been elevated to the position. Recruits Jess Hosking and Matilda Sergeant join the trio in the leadership ahead of their first season at the club. Sergeant, a former Fremantle player, was recruited by the Eagles with pick No.42 in last year’s draft after a stellar season for Claremont, but will miss the season after rupturing her ACL in March. Hosking, 28, joined the club as a free agent after 53 games for Carlton and Richmond. Eagles’ senior coach Daisy Pearce said the team is in good hands with this group of leaders. “I’m really looking forward to working closely with captain ‘Swanny’, she drives elite standards, she’s a reliable and consistent competitor and has an incredible passion for the team,” Pearce said. “She models what it looks like to constantly push yourself to improve season upon season. “Bella is an impressive competitor with an excellent ability to connect with her teammates, she cares deeply for the team, and she will be complemented by the inclusion of new co-vice-captain Charlie Thomas. “Charlie is a natural leader with an amazing ability to go after her own development and performance with excellence and composure, while being able to look at the bigger picture and help others around her. “Her elevation into the vice-captain role at just 20 years of age is a huge testament to her character, and she will continue to grow and develop as a leader with the support of Bella and Swanny by her side.”