Fremantle have added three new faces to their AFLW leadership group for 2019, with Freo’s captain and leaders announced on Friday. 

Kara Donnellan will skipper the team for a third consecutive season, voted in once again by her peers as captain.

Existing leadership group member Kiara Bowers will again play a leadership role in 2019, joined by newcomers Ebony Antonio, Gabby O’Sullivan and Evie Gooch. 

Donnellan said she feels privileged to captain Fremantle for another year.

“It’s been a massive honour for the past two years and once again, to know that I’ve got the backing from the playing group, is amazing,” Donnellan said.

“It’s great to see the new faces in Gabby, Evie and Ebony in the leadership group. 

“They’re girls that bring so many different qualities to the leadership group as individuals, and more importantly, they can bring this to the team on field and off the field. 

“It’s their enthusiasm, passion and the determination that is contagious, so it’s really refreshing to have these new faces with myself and Kiara.”

Gooch said she was surprised but thrilled to be voted in ahead of her second season at the club. 

“It’s a little bit overwhelming but I’m stoked,” Gooch said. 

“It’s a bit intimidating going in with only a year under my belt but I’m really happy that the girls have seen something in me.

“When I first started at the club, I was so focused on getting my footy right, but it’s the biggest privilege to be named as a leader so I’ll do the best that I can.”

Gooch said her priority will be to ensure she is available for her teammates. 

“It’s keeping that communication open with all of the girls,” Gooch said. 

“It’s important to have different people involved in the leadership group and different people you can talk to. 

“The best thing I can do for the team is to deliver my best on field and off field and demonstrating the qualities that we all discussed in the lead up to the season.”

While Gooch aims to set the standards, she said that each player is already delivering individually this pre-season.

“We’re all working really hard and the program is really versatile and it’s getting the girls moving a lot,” Gooch said.

“They’re are really accountable this pre-season, which is awesome. It’s a lot of hard work but I’m definitely seeing some more improvement on top of last year.”