A new era of leadership for the AFLW program has been unveiled with West Coast Eagles stars Bella Lewis and Charlie Thomas appointed as co-captains for the 2025 season.

The duo take the reins from inaugural skipper Emma Swanson, who stepped down after playing a pivotal role in shaping the team’s foundations since its inception.

Both Lewis and Thomas have grown through the program together and now step into the leadership role with a shared vision for driving the club forward.

“What a privilege it is, and to do it with someone like Charlie who I’ve played the first five seasons with on the path we’re on with our program, it’s an exciting time for change,” Lewis said.

“It’s a full circle moment to take over from someone like ‘Swanny’, who took me under her wing when I first got here and helped me evolve as a person.

“Charlie and I both being in our early 20s, we see it as a great opportunity to learn and grow with the group we have around us.

“We know we’ll learn plenty about leadership on this journey, but we’ve surrounded ourselves with the right support to flourish in this role.”

Thomas echoed Lewis’ sentiment, describing the honour of being voted in by her teammates.

“I’m very humbled to be recognised by the group and super excited to be doing it alongside Bella,” she said.

“With the help of the leadership team and Daisy, we’ve got big shoes to fill, but we’re really excited for what’s to come.”

Coach Daisy Pearce said the leadership appointments reflect the values and direction of the playing group.

“Acknowledging ‘Swanny’ as the inaugural captain, she continues to set an elite standard and will remain a great support for the next captains.” Pearce said.

“She is as excited and proud as anyone to see Bella and Charlie voted in.

“Bella has had a great mentor in ‘Swanny’ but she is amazing in the way she prepares and pushes herself in a high-performance environment.

“She is a competitor, always looking to improve and for a young player to be able to do those things whilst having an impact on everyone around her is really impressive.

“Charlie is a natural leader. Humble, consistent and elite in her performance. Even while earning individual accolades, her focus remains on the team and helping others thrive.

“We’ve already seen them work together in a really collaborative way, and we know they’ll form a strong partnership in these roles.”

Mikayla Western has been appointed vice-captain, rounding out a youthful but determined leadership core.

“Mikayla has worked incredibly hard on understanding and playing her role, a selfless one, and now finds herself in a position to guide and instruct others,” Pearce said.

“On top of that she does a mountain of work in the background making sure people feel like they belong within the team.”

Experienced campaigners Dana Hooker and Alison Drennan will also support the group in leadership roles, offering critical experience and insight.

“It’s been great having ‘Hooks’ back on track in full capacity.” Pearce said.

“She’s been an inspiration with how she trained through pregnancy and continues to have a huge influence on our group with her wisdom and leadership.

“’Drenno’ has a wealth of experience at AFLW level and elite sport.

“She leads by example with consistent elite standards and always wanting to improve.

“She brings a different perspective and ideas and she goes about her business quietly to reach a wide range of players in the team.”