It’s the dawning of a new era at the GIANTS with star midfielder Rebecca Beeson appointed the club’s captain for the upcoming 2024 NAB AFLW season.
The tough and classy midfielder will take the reins from club stalwart Alicia Eva, who stepped down as captain at the end of last year following five seasons in the role.
A Sydney local and inaugural GIANT, entering her ninth season at the club, Beeson is just the third captain in the club’s AFLW history, following Eva and inaugural captain Amanda Farrugia.
Beeson’s appointment comes following a vote from the GIANTS playing group and coaching staff, with the 27-year-old chosen by her peers to lead the side in season 2024.
Establishing herself as one of the club’s brightest young stars since being taken with pick 32 in the inaugural draft in 2016, Beeson claimed the 2019 Gabrielle Trainor Medal as club champion and has continued to be one of the GIANTS’ key players ever since.
Last year Beeson recommitted to the club long-term with a new four-year deal to keep her in orange and charcoal until at least the end of the 2027 season.
Beeson is joined in the 2024 leadership group by Katherine Smith - who has been named vice-captain - as well as young guns Alyce Parker and Tarni Evans.
GIANTS Chief Executive Officer David Matthews congratulated Beeson on the appointment.
“Appointing a captain is a significant decision for any club and we’re in great hands with Bec leading us into a new era for our AFLW program,” Mr Matthews said.
“Alicia was an outstanding leader for us for a long period of time and as I said when she made the choice to stand down from the role at the end of last season, we are so fortunate to have someone of the calibre of Alicia at our football club.
“Bec’s story is one of persistence and perseverance and to see her growth from when she was drafted to now has been a great testament to her as a person and a player.
“It’s fantastic to have someone who has been at our club since the very start, and who is a local product of the NSW pathway programs, lead our club in 2024.
“I also congratulate Katherine, Tarni and Alyce who will support Bec in her new role as we look towards a successful future for our exciting young group.”
Beeson’s appointment continues a whirlwind two years for the gun midfielder who missed the entirety of season seven due to concussion issues before returning to the field - and her best - last season to finish equal third in the 2023 Gabrielle Trainor Medal.
“I'm thrilled for Bec, she’s the perfect person to lead our program into a new era,” said head coach Cam Bernasconi.
“The role of captain is not just about what happens on the field but it’s about setting the standards every day off it and the values you live by.
“Bec is a fantastic example of exactly what our club and playing group represent and the best choice to lead our young group into the future.
“Our leadership group represent the values of our team and each of them bring different traits and strengths which complement each other and make them great leaders both individually and as a group.”
Smith, who joined the GIANTS from the Demons ahead of the 2021 season, first joined the club’s leadership group last season before now being elevated to vice-captain for the 2024 season while Parker and Evans were both members of the leadership group last year.
“Katherine is a natural leader, she’s all-in and someone who will always lead by example on and off the field and help drive the standards of our group as we strive for success,” Bernasconi said.
“Tarni is still only 22 years old and exemplifies the fearlessness we want to be known for and we know Alyce is the ultimate competitor on and off-field who leads by example at all times.
“Having a first-time captain and vice-captain is really exciting for the club. Our program has evolved significantly over the past 12 months and with the youngest list in the competition, we’re looking forward to the upcoming season with excitement.”
Following a pair of practice matches in mid-August, the GIANTS will kickstart their 2024 NAB AFLW campaign with a blockbuster round one clash with the Western Bulldogs in Canberra on Saturday, August 31 at 1:05pm.
Join us at Manuka Oval and Henson Park this season and become an AFLW member now – find out more.
