MELBOURNE has confirmed its AFLW leaders for the 2025 season, with Kate Hore and Tyla Hanks to lead the side as Captain and Vice-Captain respectively. 

Selected by their peers, the dynamic duo was once again unanimously voted to guide the squad for the third consecutive year. 

They will be supported by experienced Dees, Sarah Lampard and Paxy Paxman, for another season, who are reprising their roles from 2024 in the Senior Leadership team. 

AFLW Captain, Kate Hore, reflected on her pride in being reappointed as skipper. 

“I’m very honoured to once again lead this amazing group, and feel very fortunate to have such a brilliant player in Tyla by my side,” Hore said. 

“Our group are unbelievably excited by the challenge that this season presents, and can’t wait to run out in front of the Demon faithful at home and away.” 

This season, upon recommendation from the playing group, the leadership structure will be complemented by the establishment of an Emerging Leaders group.  

This group endeavours to elevate talented players who are building their leadership capabilities, with Maeve Chaplin and Eliza McNamara selected. 

AFLW Senior Coach, Mick Stinear, emphasised the importance of player input on the leadership selection process. 

“Every year, our playing group provide their input for who they would like to lead them. Overwhelmingly, they selected Kate and Tyla once again, which is a testament to their professionalism and the respect that the group holds for them,” Stinear said. 

“The other feedback that we took on is the ability to recognise the emerging leaders in our group, of which we are fortunate enough to have many. 

“Maeve and Eliza were the standouts through their peer feedback, which is due to their ability to get the best out of themselves and their teammates, and capacity to be fully invested in this group. 

“It’s a strong leadership group that blends experience and connection, and recognises six players in particular who are excited to make the program the best it can be.” 

Melbourne’s AFLW 2025 campaign kicks off in just 37 days, with a season-opening clash against the Western Bulldogs at Mission Whitten Oval taking place on Saturday 16 August.