Inaugural skipper Emma Zielke will once again lead the Lions for the 2021 AFLW season.

The 32-year-old, who has yet to miss a game since the AFLW’s inception in 2017, will head a five-person leadership group that includes Shannon Campbell for the first time.

Campbell, one of eight remaining Lions from the Club’s debut season in 2017, has been a rock in defence over her 28 AFLW games.

Breanna Koenen has stepped up to the vice-captain role while Emily Bates and Kate Lutkins retain their positions in the leadership group.

Coach Craig Starcevich said the playing group had gone with stability and experience in re-electing Zielke as their captain.

“She is highly respected within the group and has shown enormous growth as a person and leader over the five years whilst maintaining a high output on match day,’’ he said.

“Emma has become one of the competition’s most credentialed captains having lead her club to two Grand Finals and dealt with the challenges of guiding and uniting the team through two turbulent years of expansion.’’

Koenen is another foundation Lion and Starcevich said the 25-year-old had shown significant growth in her leadership over her four years in the elite competition.

“It is great to have Bree stepping up in support as vice-captain,’’ he said.

“She too continues to provide a supportive and steadying influence for her teammates and continues to be one of our most reliable defensive midfielders.’’

Starcevich also welcomed Campbell’s elevation to a leadership role. He said the 24-year-old has established a reputation across the competition as a fierce competitor while inside the Club her on-field leadership was highly valued.

“Shannon is one of the competition’s most skilful, reliable and courageous defenders,’’ he said.

“She is admired by her teammates and coaches for the calmness she brings in high pressure situations.’’