The Geelong Cats have named a five-player leadership group for the 2019 VFLW Season.

There will be no sole captain to take the side into the new campaign, as the Cats have decided to rotate the captaincy roles on a weekly basis.

Maddy Keryk and Amy McDonald took on the responsibilities of captain and vice-captain in round one while remaining leaders Danielle Orr, Kate Darby and Jordan Ivey will all get the chance to lead the side in 2019. 

This will give all five players the chance to develop as leaders of the young Cats side, with Darby the only returning face from the 2018 leadership group.

Head of Women’s Football and Pathways, Simone Bellears, believes the new leaders will look to set the standard both on and off the field.

“As an emerging group of leaders, they will be supported by our AFLW PLG who are all committed to continuing to embed our values and culture within the women’s program,” Bellears said.

“We were pleased to see many players nominated by their peers for the leadership group roles and look forward to building depth in our leadership particularly on-field.”


2019 VFLW Leadership Group

Amy McDonald is entering her second season at VFLW level and is one of the fastest developing players on the list. McDonald has ambitions to play at AFLW level and developing her leadership with the Cats will be an important step in her achieving that goal. Finished top 10 in the VFLW Cats’ best and fairest count in 2018.

Maddy Keryk was one of the Cats’ AFLW stars in 2019, claiming a top-5 finish in the club’s best and fairest. Is well known for her leadership qualities as a former vice-captain of Carlton. Has no trouble finding the ball and is hard around the contest.

Kate Darby is the only returning Cat from the 2018 VFLW player leadership group. The star forward leads by example and has kicked 36 goals in two years with the VFLW Cats. Was named the Cats’ AFLW Community Champion earlier this year.

Jordan Ivey is one of Geelong’s star forwards and is hoping to put her injury troubles behind her this season. Has only played 10 games over the past two VFLW seasons but is one of the most dangerous forwards at the club when up and about.

Danielle Orr joins the leadership group after stellar seasons with both the Cats’ AFLW and VFL sides. Finished top 10 in both teams’ best and fairest counts and has 23 goals to her name at VFLW level.