SARAH Hosking will remain in the Blues’ leadership group for the second consecutive year, with the speedy midfielder expressing her excitement for the new-look group. 

She said the expanded group was eager to work together to helm the side. 

“This year we’ve got a different leadership setup. We have Bri Davey as captain and Katie Loynes as vice and then we have a leadership group following with Kerryn Harrington, Shae Audley, Darcy Vescio and myself,” she said.

“We’re all looking forward to working with each other. I think as a leadership group, with so much knowledge across the board in different aspects, and everyone being able to utlise their strengths as well, I think that’s going to be really exciting for the girls and the group moving ahead into 2019.”

Hosking, who co-vice captained her side in 2018, stepped up in the absence of an injured skipper last season. She said she would bring valuable lessons learned into her leadership role in AFLW 3.0.

“Last season I developed more of my leadership which was a really positive thing. Having such an up-and-down season performance-wise, I learned determination and courage to stick at that.

“I also learnt more to be able to rely and lean on others as well utilise everyone’s strengths.

Davey will captain the team for the second consecutive season, after vice-captaining the side in her inaugural AFLW year.

Hosking said the Blues couldn’t wait to have their skipper back on deck.

“Bri’s year last year was unfortunate with her injury but off-field she had such a huge influence on the group leadership-wise and just kept everyone as a close-knit group.

“It’s going to be really exciting for her to come back and get back out on the field again. It will be so exciting to see her and what she can do. She’s got that ability to bring everyone together and she performs on the field and off the field.”

With a practice match at Ikon Park against the Cats this Saturday before Round 1 kicks off in Tasmania against the Pies on February 3rd, there will plenty of chances for Hosking and her fellow leaders to demonstrate the group’s cohesiveness.

Carlton's No.10 said the women’s preparations would hold the Blues in good stead for challenges to come.

“Our pre-season this year has been completely different to every other year. We’re stepping it up each year and it’s been really exciting to see some of the new girls come along and what they bring to the group,” she said.

“We’ve now finally got some of those girls that have played since they’ve been four, five, six, seven years old and coming through that are 18 like Maddy Presparkis. It’s going to be really exciting to see those girls again and a whole new coaching panel as well. They’ve fit in seamlessly. 

“It’s going to be really exciting for us to see what we can do as a team and a unit with coaching staff as well.”