Fremantle have locked in their AFLW leadership group for the 2025 NAB AFLW Season, with Ange Stannett voted in as captain by her peers for the second year in a row.
The side’s Round 1 clash with Port Adelaide will be the utility’s first opportunity to captain on-field, after spending the 2024 season leading from the sidelines due to an ACL injury sustained in the pre-season.
Fremantle’s Head of AFLW Claire Heffernan said she was pleased for Stannett, who is on track to return to the field.
“Ange is an exceptional leader who leads with purpose, humility and authenticity,” Heffernan said.
“She had an opportunity last year to make the role her own and lead in a truly unique way, which she did with aplomb.
“Ange embodies everything we stand for at Fremantle and she is hugely respected by the playing group, football staff and entire Club.
“After a personally challenging year on the sidelines, she was always able to show up, put the team first and make a positive impact, and I’m thrilled she’s on track to run out as captain for the first time this year.”
Following a season that featured three vice-captains supporting the injured skipper, the Club will return to a more traditional leadership structure, appointing a single vice-captain for 2025.
Experienced defender Ash Brazill will step into the role of vice-captain, having earned her place in the leadership group during her first season with Fremantle in 2024.
A proven leader in an outstanding sporting career across netball and AFLW, Brazill brings a wealth of experience and a strong presence as a leader, making an immediate impact since joining the Club.
“Ash is a natural mentor and leader and brings with her a huge amount of knowledge and experience due to her outstanding elite sporting background,” Heffernan said.
“To be voted into the leadership group last year - in her first year at the Club - is a testament to the trust and respect she has earned from the playing group.
“Her ability to connect with every player and drive high standards within the group is one of the many reasons why we are so lucky to have her.”
Following a breakout first season at Fremantle in 2024, midfielder Gabby Newton has been added to the leadership group as the sole new addition for 2025, while Hayley Miller, Áine Tighe and Emma O’Driscoll round out the group.
Newton’s inclusion reflects on the impact she’s had after one season at the Club where she has proven to be a consistent on-field performer, and a reliable and trusted teammate.
Both Newton and Brazill have proved to be invaluable additions since arriving at the Club, quickly slotting into their on-field roles and earning the respect of teammates and staff.
“We have quite a few emerging leaders within the group, and it is really pleasing to see Gabby elevated to the leadership group,” Heffernan said.
“Gabby stepped into our program and had an immediate impact with her incredible maturity and a clear understanding of what the group’s values are. She’s calm under pressure, driven by team success and already someone players look up to.”
Defender Laura Pugh has been part of the leadership group for three seasons while also stepping into the co-vice-captain role last year and is the only departure from the 2025 leadership group, as the Club continues to provide a voice to emerging leaders.
Fremantle’s Head of AFLW Claire Heffernan touched on how important Pugh’s role as a leader for the Club has been.
“Laura has been part of our leadership group for three seasons now and has played an instrumental role in leading both on and off the field,” Heffernan said.
“We are very grateful for her service in this space and know she will continue to play her part supporting the playing group this year due to the high-quality person she is."
