Every pre-season, there’s always one player that stands out so much at training that they become the focus of some classic footy cliches, by either ‘training the house down’ or ‘burning up the track’.

This year, that player has been Hayley Miller, who is pushing to improve from the already high benchmark she’s set from her five previous seasons in the AFLW.

It’s what makes Miller a natural successor to inaugural captain Kara Antonio, who has stood down from the role after five seasons at the helm.

“Hayley has come back fitter than ever and ran quite a remarkable PB in her 2km time trial, which is just one sign of her commitment and one of the many traits she has that make her a worthy captain,” senior coach Trent Cooper said of the new Fremantle captain.

“She’s already taken that form from the track and into our match sim. She’s been one of our best players in every single session and is showing that she’s taking her game to a new level and she’s leading by example in that way.

“Even back in the early days at Fremantle, you could see the raw speed and the courage – that is embodied in the famous clash she had with (former Carlton player) Tayla Harris when Hayley went back with the flight.

“Those things were evident right from an early age and now we’re starting to see a more well-rounded player who can impact game a great deal and also now play multiple positions as well.

“As senior coach, I’m in a really fortunate position where we’ve got a great captain in Hayley and also a great resource in Kara, who we both can lean on in the year ahead, which we’re really excited about.”

When asked how she wants to lead at Fremantle, Miller said it was by setting a standard.

“I want to lead by example. I want to go and show the girls on field, off field what being a leader’s all about and what we stand for at the Club,” Miller said.

“If I can do that, then you hope that this brings the group along with you.

“I’m lucky to still have ‘Juddy’ (Kara Antonio) by my side, as she’s been a massive support for me through the last six years in general, not just leadership but on and off the field and as a mentor.

“To be handed over the reins from her, there’s some massive shoes to fill and I’d be lying if there wasn’t some apprehension about that.

“I told the girls that I am my own person, I am my own leader and that’s what I plan to do but I’ll definitely be leaning on Juddy a fair bit.”