Fremantle have unveiled their leaders for Season 7 of the NAB AFLW competition, with Janelle Cuthbertson and Laura Pugh the two new additions voted into the Club’s leadership group. 

Hayley Miller will lead Fremantle for her second season as captain and will be supported in a five-strong leadership group alongside vice-captain Ange Stannett.

Gabby O’Sullivan was once again voted in by her peers, while the defensive pair in Cuthbertson and Pugh have joined the ranks in an official leadership capacity for the first time.

After six seasons in the leadership group, three-time Fremantle Fairest and Best winner Kiara Bowers made the decision to step away from an official leadership role ahead of Season 7 to allow for fresh voices to be introduced to the group.

Pugh said Bowers’ contribution had been instrumental and added the 30-year-old would continue to lead the way for her teammates both on and off the field.

“Turbo’ has been a part of the leadership group since the start and she will be leading us no matter what,” Pugh said.

“She is someone that we all really look up to, and she always sets the tone for each game which is amazing.”

Pugh looked to previous leaders at Fremantle as inspiration for her own leadership development, as she looks to help Freo take another step in Season 7.

“I’m very proud, and I think one of the best things is to be voted in by your peers,” Pugh said.

“I love all the girls and I’m really excited to help lead them this season. 

“Being in this program and watching the leaders that we have had before, I just wanted to step up into a role that will hopefully help the girls go further this season.”

Cuthbertson said adding ‘leader’ to her CV was something she hadn’t foreseen when she first arrived at Fremantle four years ago after making the switch from tennis to football.

The intercept defender has since been a key pillar of Fremantle’s defence, which saw her receive All-Australian honours in 2021.

“Four years ago, when I came into the program, I didn’t know what it was going to look like or how long I’d be here, given that I was pretty new to football,” Cuthbertson said.

“We’ve got a very young group, but also a list of strong and diverse characters as well, so I think as I have gone through the program, I’ve realised I’ve got a bit to offer and a bit of experience with my age.

“I’m really keen to try and filter that down to the playing group.”

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Fremantle’s two new leaders acknowledged the strong inaugural season by Miller in the captaincy role, with the decision to vote her in for a second season as skipper labelled a ‘no brainer.’

“It was a bit of a no brainer for us, Hayley did such a phenomenal job last year and filling Juddy’s footsteps is a massive achievement,” Cuthbertson said.

“Hayley has made that role her own, and I’m really excited that she’s going to lead the group again this season.”

“Hayley did an amazing job, especially with lots of challenges last season with Covid and being away,” Pugh said.

“Her support on and off the field was second to none and I can’t wait to see what she will do this season.”