DAISY Pearce will lead the Demons in season 7, re-appointed captain of the red and blue for the sixth time.

The star player, who has been at the helm of Melbourne’s side every year – bar 2019, was formally voted in by her peers, having committed to pulling on the red and blue for a sixth season.

Pearce will be supported by key forward Kate Hore, who has been elevated to vice-captain, with All Australian defender Libby Birch and classy midfielder Tyla Hanks rounding out the four-player senior leadership group.

For Pearce, it follows a stellar 2022 campaign, where she claimed the club’s Best and Fairest, achieved All-Australian honours and was named the AFLPA’s Best Captain.

Senior coach Mick Stinear said it was an honour to have Pearce lead the group again.

“We are really blessed to have Daisy as part of our team and our club, not just for her impact on-field but the way she carries herself and brings the group together,” he told Melbourne Media.

“She has a great understanding of what her teammates need to thrive, and she continues to both challenge and inspire us all, in the pursuit of excellence.

“Daisy’s appetite to grow, not only for herself but for those around her, is just incredible to watch.”

Vice-captain Hore, a member of last season’s leadership group, has been a consistent performer for the Demons on the field, and has continued to develop as both a person and as a leader off it.

The 27-year-old earns the opportunity in her sixth season at the club, with former vice-captain Karen Paxman stepping away from the role.

“This season, Paxy (Paxman) has made the decision to step down as vice-captain, which gives insight into her selfless nature,” Stinear said.

“She has been a massive support to Daisy and to our program since she started. She has grown as a person and as a leader and has shaped the program to where it is today. We have no doubt she will continue to go about her business as a natural leader.

“Paxy would like to give others the chance to lead and develop in the role, and we are excited for Kate to now have that opportunity.

“It is great recognition for Kate, who has put in a mountain of work and has a deep desire for this group to reach its full potential and be successful.”

Birch and Hanks have been integral members of the Dees’ line-up in recent years and bring varied perspectives, personalities, and leadership styles to the mix.

For Stinear, it makes for a complementary dynamic heading into season seven of the competition.

“We were fortunate enough to have nine players in our leadership group last season and, as a result, now have a strong core group of leaders, on field and off field,” he said.

“As a club, we feel a streamlined approach this season will allow us to be more efficient, more purposeful and have more robust discussions, to help our team develop further.

“It is exciting to have Tyla and Libby step up to form part of our senior leadership group. Both are incredibly invested in the program and the club and want nothing more than to see this group succeed.

“We are proud to have such a committed group leading our team this season and look forward to what they can achieve in the future.”

The AFLW season will commence later this month, with Melbourne taking on Adelaide in a Grand Final rematch on Friday 26 August.