The Brisbane Lions have re-elected their inaugural Captain Emma Zielke for the 2018 AFLW season. The 29-year-old was voted in by her teammates and coaching staff last night.

“It feels amazing. It’s great to have the support from the coaches and the players,” she told lions.com.au.

“The Club means a lot to me so I’m really proud to be the 2018 Captain.”

Coach Craig Starcevich said Zielke leads by example.

“Emma is respected by her teammates and coaching staff alike. She is a great role model for our group, both on and off the field,” he said.

“Emma often does things on the field that you would expect from an inspirational Captain.

“Her temperament is nice and even most of the time. She also has a good sense of when the team needs extra motivation.”

Zielke is one of six women in the Lions’ leadership group for 2018. Leah Kaslar has been appointed Vice-Captain and Emily Bates and Sabrina Frederick-Traub retained their positions from last year.

While second-year players Sharni Webb and Kate Lutkins have joined the group.

2018 AFLW Leadership Group including Sabrina Frederick-Traub (L), Kate Lutkins, Captain Emma Zielke, Vice-Captain Leah Kaslar, Sharni Webb and Emily Bates.

“They’ve all got similar traits but they all bring their unique style to the leadership group,” Starcevich said.

“The new ones they’ve elected in have been drivers of elite behaviour and our players respect that and are pretty keen to follow what they set.”

The team have their first taste of football in a practice match against GWS in Sydney this Saturday.

Zielke will lead the team out for their first AFLW game of 2018 in a Grand Final rematch against the Adelaide Crows on February 3.