With our first VFLW match just around the corner, we are excited to announce some of the amazing footballers who will be joining the team for the 2019 season. In addition to Lauren Pearce, the VFLW team will include Elise O’Dea, Brooke Patterson, Jamie Stanton and Bridie Kennedy.
Elise O’Dea
We welcome back Darebin Falcons 2017 Premiership Captain, Elise O’Dea to the Falcons family in 2019. In her third season of AFLW at the Melbourne FC, ‘Junior’ was announced co-captain and continued to be one of the best midfielders in the competition.
The club is thrilled to have Junior back in the team. She’s captained this side to a premiership and is a much loved member of the club. The experience and professionalism she will bring to the group is invaluable with such a young side and we can’t to see her run out there in the Falcons colours for another season.
Brooke Patterson
Brooke started her football career with Darebin in 2016 and ended up getting selected by Melbourne FC at the end of her first season. She went on to play 3 years of football in the AFLW and we’re thrilled to have her back for 2019.
Brooke is a hard working defender who reads the ball well and makes great decisions. Every team needs a good amount of experience and players who can communicate well and we think that Brooke can offer this, and much more, to our defensive group this season. We’re excited that she has re-committed to us this year and look forward to seeing her play some great footy for us.
Jamie Stanton
Our first new face for 2019 is Gold Coast Suns midfielder, Jamie Stanton. Jamie has experience across a number of AFLW programs, including at the Brisbane Lions and more recently North Melbourne Football Club.
Jamie has fit in with the Darebin culture straight away – she works hard and understands the level of professionalism that is required to be successful. She placed second in the Brisbane Lion’s B&F in 2018, which demonstrates her ability to play well in a great side and will be an important addition to our midfield group this year.
Bridie Kennedy
The club is excited to announce the signing of young-gun, Bridie Kennedy for 2019. Bridie comes to us after two years at Carlton AFLW. Prior to playing AFLW, Bridie was part of the Dandenong Stingrays TAC Cup program where she was the co-winner of the league B&F award in 2017.
We are really confident that Bridie will play some great, consistent football for us this year. Our focus is to support Bridie to develop her football even further and get her back on an AFLW list at the end of the year.
The Falcons season opening celebration is tonight, were the players will be presented with their guernseys. Full list will be announced soon.
Image courtesy of Rob Lawson Photography.
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