Defenders delight as Swans WAFLW captaincy is named

The Swan Districts women’s league side will literally be led by a team of defensive All-Stars for the 2020 Optus WAFLW Premiership Season.

Having been named in last year’s WAFL Women’s All-Star Exhibition squad, Emily McGuire, Lauren Osborne and Aimee Ralph will guide their side throughout this season’s shortened format.

McGuire, who brings solid experience to the club after having played for both the Fremantle Dockers and West Coast Eagles in the AFLW, is excited to take on the sole captaincy role, having spent 5 years in the black and white.

A swing player who after many years in attack has found her niche across the backline, being selected to lead the squad was not something she expected.

“I never thought that I would be the captain of Swan Districts” she said. “I love this club and really looking forward to the journey.”

“I can’t wait to see what this season holds.”

Better known as ‘Skins’ to her coaches and team mates, veteran defender/midfielder, Lauren Osborne, has been named as one of McGuire’s two vice-captains. Having been in the position a couple times already, Osborne has become quite familiar with this role throughout her career at the club, and is excited to see fringe players potentially having a chance to prove themselves in the league side.

“This year without the AFL players not being included, it gives a chance for some of the other players who are up and coming to step up and show what they’ve got at that next level” she said.

After only a few seasons at Swans, Aimee Ralph steps into the vice-captaincy position for the first time in her career. A talent in both the ruck and defense, her guidance both on and off the field has been notable throughout this unique preseason.

“I felt myself stepping up and being a bit more of a voice, particularly when some of the AFLW players weren’t around” she said. “It’s really exciting.”

The Reserves side have also named their leadership group, with Emily Stott heading the 2020 squad, with Tayla Edwards, Tayla Cornwall and Yasmin Skene as vice-captains.

With fixtures set to be released shortly, be there in July when your Swan Districts WALFW team take the field.