CARLTON defender Ally Bild will once again lead the Blues’ VFLW side for the 2022 season.

Bild was selected to lead for the second-consecutive year by her teammates and will be joined by Jennifer Lew and Thomay Nicolaou as co-vice captains.

Lew was sole vice-captain last season, while Nicolaou is a new addition to the leadership group – and the Club – having joined the Blues’ this season after spending 2021 on Essendon’s development list.

The five-player leadership group will be rounded out by Ester Honeybun and Jorja Borg.

Honeybun was a member of the leadership group last season, and Borg has been elevated into the group this year after a string of solid performances in the ruck in 2021.

VFLW coach Tom Stafford believes the side has found a perfect combination, sticking with known names while also inserting some new talent into the leadership groups.

“Ally was a standout candidate to lead the team again this season, and it’s clear the playing group have full confidence in her as a leader,” Stafford said.

“It’s fantastic to have Jen as vice-captain for another season, this year joined by Thomay who has been a great addition to the side so far, and will no-doubt also be a great addition as co-vice captain.

“The leadership group comes together perfectly with Esther and Jorja, and I truly feel we have a group that compliments each other and will be able to get the best out of the group every week.”

The VFLW season will begin the weekend of February 12, with Carlton taking on Geelong.  A date and time will be confirmed in the coming week.