MELBOURNE has confirmed its AFLW leadership group for the 2026 season, with Kate Hore and Tyla Hanks to lead the side for a third consecutive year.
Hore has once again been voted captain, while Hanks will continue as vice-captain after the pair were first elected ahead of the 2023 season.
Entering her 10th AFLW season, Hore has an outstanding portfolio, claiming three Melbourne best and fairest awards, three All Australian blazers and captaining the Demons through five finals across two campaigns.
Hanks, one of the competition's most consistent midfielders, has established herself as a leader both on and off the field. The two-time Melbourne best and fairest winner and 2021 AFLW Rising Star will again support Hore as vice-captain.
General Manager of AFLW Katrina Gill credited Hore and Hanks for their hard work and dedication.
"It's great recognition for Kate and Tyla to be voted by their peers as captain and vice-captain again this season," Gill said.
"Kate leads by example not only with her performance on game day but also the professionalism she displays throughout the week. Kate is incredibly passionate about our club. She is driven by team success and helping others to be the best they can be.
"Tyla supports Kate in setting standards and is respected for her work ethic and genuine care across the entire playing group and staff."
Joining Hore and Hanks in the leadership group are Maeve Chaplin, Eliza McNamara and Tahlia Gillard, who have all been voted into leadership roles ahead of Melbourne's 11th AFLW season.
McNamara enters her sixth season at the club, with her resilience and leadership continuing to shine in recent years. After missing 12 months of football in 2022 with a back injury, the winger worked tirelessly to earn her place back in the side and is now in career-best form.
Chaplin has earned leadership honours for the second consecutive season. The 23-year-old defender, who claimed Melbourne's Coaches Award in 2024, has developed into one of the competition's most exciting young backs and continues to lead by example.
After serving in the club's Emerging Leaders group throughout 2025, both McNamara and Chaplin have cemented their places in the leadership group, a testament to their continued growth and influence within the program.
"Maeve and Eliza have taken their leadership to another level this year," Gill said.
"They have both overcome challenges throughout their careers and bring a different perspective. Maeve and Eliza value connection and hard work and bring an infectious energy."
Gillard has been elected to the leadership group for the first time following another impressive season. The 22-year-old key defender, who received an AFLW Rising Star nomination in 2022 and was awarded Melbourne's Coaches Award in 2025, has continued to develop as both a player and leader, earning the call-up to the leadership group.
"It's a credit to Tahlia and the work she's put in over the past 12 months," Gill said.
"Tahlia worked hard to recover from injury last season and has really attacked the pre-season. She has grown in confidence as a player and as a leader and has a lot to offer our group."
With McNamara and Chaplin progressing into the official leadership group, Saraid Taylor and Megan Fitzimon have been elected to be the programs new Emerging Leaders, an opportunity for developing leaders to continue building their skills.
Experienced Demons Paxy Paxman and Sarah Lampard will also play an important role throughout the season as mentors to the leadership group, helping guide and support the group with their extensive experience.
"Paxy and Sarah both epitomise our Demon Spirit, and their experience and input will be invaluable to our leaders and the broader program this season. We are fortunate to have depth in leadership and people the calibre of Paxy and Sarah at our club," Gill said.
Melbourne’s AFLW side will kick off their season on Thursday, 13 August 7:15pm at IKON Park.
