Recognised as one of the finest leaders in the game, Alicia Eva will continue as the GIANTS’ AFLW captain for season seven of the competition.
This will be the fourth season at the helm for the 31-year-old, who finished runner up in the Gabrielle Trainor Medal last season.
Eva will be supported by three-time Gabrielle Trainor Medallist, Alyce Parker, who has been elevated to vice-captain.
After joining the leadership group last season, 21-year-old Parker continued to show why she’s one of the premier midfielders in the competition as she won her third straight club champion award in just four seasons in the AFLW.
Inaugural GIANT Nicola Barr, fierce defender Pepa Randall and cross-code star Chloe Dalton round out the leadership team, with veteran Cora Staunton stepping down after three years in the group.
Eva said she’s proud to continue to lead the GIANTS as they enter a new chapter in season seven.
"It’s an honour and a privilege to lead this club and that doesn’t ever diminish the longer I’m doing it,” she said.
“I’m so proud to lead this group out onto the field every week and to continue to drive and challenge each other to achieve what we want to achieve.
“It's a new era for the AFLW competition as we reach 18 teams for the first time, and it feels like a new chapter for the GIANTS.
“We’re so proud of the history we’ve written as a foundation member of the competition and the legacy we’ve built in NSW and the ACT over the first six seasons.
“With a new coach and a third of our playing group first joining us for the first time in season seven, there’s a fresh energy and a continued drive to return to playing finals.
“I’m excited about what’s ahead of us and can’t wait to lead this group into the new season.”
Parker said she was humbled and thankful to be appointed vice-captain.
“This is a huge honour and I’m incredibly grateful to have the belief from my peers and staff,” she said.
“I love this club and I love this group of players and I’m so passionate about making sure we get the best out of each other and the success we have all been working so hard for, for a long time.”
“As I’ve grown as a player, I’ve worked hard to make sure I’ve been able to grow as a leader too and ensure I’m not just playing my role on the field but also making others better along the way.
“I’m excited to take my leadership to a new level in season seven and learn from one of the best captains in the competition in Alicia.
“We’re looking forward to the new season with optimism and excitement after a great pre-season where we’ve driven each other to become better and represent the GIANTS to the best of our ability.”
Season seven of the NAB AFLW competition begins in the final week of August with the GIANTS to open their season against the Western Bulldogs at IKON Park on August 28.
