It was a different look for Fremantle’s leadership group in 2024, where all six leaders captained at least one game each throughout the 13-game season.

Co-vice-captain Áine Tighe said the leaders took the opportunity to captain a game head on, as it’s a rare experience for each leader to have ticked off in one season.

“It's something that’s very special and doesn’t come around that often, so to be able to experience that and share it with an incredible bunch of girls – it’s definitely something to be proud of,” Tighe said.

“For us, the biggest thing was getting those different voices across the group, which I think worked really well this season.”

Captain Ange Stannett said she was proud of how the group went about their business this season, with each leader having brought different individual strengths.

“In terms of what our leadership group bought this season, I was very proud in the way we were able to hold space for our girls to bring their strengths and their best selves, and feel safe and confident to do so,” Stannett said.

“They were a massive support for myself, but it’s also the support they give to every single one of their teammates.

“We said it from the start of the year – everyone’s been voted in (to the leadership group) for a reason, bring your strengths, we all lead in different ways.”

Stannett looked at the goal for finals in 2025, and said the group’s determination and hunger will only continue to build.

“I don’t think any of us will shy away from the fact that we’re here to play finals footy and go as far as we possibly can,” Stannett said.

“We’ve not backed down from that this season despite a lot of adversity in personnel as well, so I think we’re owning that story and that’s the way we want to continue to build.”

Leader and All Australian Emma O’Driscoll captained for the first time in her career in week 10 against the Western Bulldogs, and said it didn’t change too much about her game day personally.

“For me it was about going out there and playing my role, but most importantly, celebrating my teammates because they’re all incredible and we always bring it back to trademark actions,” O’Driscoll said.

When asked what was so special about the group for O’Driscoll, she praised the connected group and the trust that is held for each other. 

“It’s definitely trust as well and delegating roles, where we rely on each other in different ways, and we bring different strengths.

“Braz mentioned being authentic, and I think each of us bring different (strengths), and I guess that’s the power of the leadership group is that we can all take the load in some sense.”