Today we have welcomed a new and exciting era for our AFLW program with Sarah Allan and Ebony Marinoff appointed co-captains for the upcoming season.

The leadership group has also been finalised and Eloise Jones, Anne Hatchard, Jess Allan and Najwa Allen will provide support, helping to drive standards and enhancing an already healthy and strong culture.

The decision to have co-captains follows a player vote, which was then endorsed by the Board of Directors and senior management. Sarah and Ebony are as passionate and dedicated to our Club as anyone, and their skills, experiences and personalities complement each other. They’ll bring the best out of one another and their team mates.

We have been very fortunate to have strong and stable leadership in our women’s ranks for more than seven years thanks to Chelsea Randall, who initially shared the captaincy with former great Erin Phillips when the AFLW was born. I have no doubt Sarah and Ebony will build on this foundation and we wish them well.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t a good weekend for our men’s team and we were as bad as the Hawks were good, particularly in the second half. We made far too many mistakes and we were punished.

Up until that game we had seen improved performances since the mid-season bye, with wins over GWS, St Kilda and Essendon, as well as a narrow loss against Brisbane at the Gabba.

But generally speaking we have lacked consistency this season, whether it be personnel frequently coming in and out of the side, or even our ability to play at the required level within games for the full four quarters or from week to week. I don’t need to tell you how frustrating this has been! With our depth being tested, our SANFL group has done a commendable job.

We are continuing to analyse areas for improvement and like all clubs, we are also actively looking to bolster our playing squad. Although I warn against believing everything you hear and read. I struggle to think of an off-contract rival player or free agent to whom we have not yet been linked!

Despite the challenges of recent months, I would like to thank you for your support which has once again reached record levels. For the first time, our member tally has gone past 70,000 and counting. We anticipate further growth given the women’s season is fast approaching and AFLW memberships are available.

Footy can be tough and while we have had our share of frustration and disappointment, we have never been more determined. Stick with us.

Regards, Tim.