The Southport Sharks are pleased to announce their QAFLW Leadership Group for 2024.

This year, Rianna Schipp will captain the club, replacing outgoing captain Jess Malouf, who has started her coaching career at Surfers Paradise.

Schipp has played a significant role on the field in the Sharks’ first two seasons in the QAFLW and was vice-captain last year.

Steph O’Brien, who won the Emma Zielke Medal (QAFLW Best & Fairest), has been named vice-captain.

The remaining members of the leadership group are Tayla Gregory, Megan Hunt, Leigh Alder, and Maggie O’Connell (Emerging Leader).

The emerging leader was introduced last year to include a younger player in the leadership group.

Southport’s Assistant Manager of Football Operations David Ashkar said, “I’m really excited about the leadership group we have assembled for 2024.”

“Culture plays a massive role in the success of the club, and it is the leadership group’s role to drive the standards, which is a big responsibility and one I know they can deliver on.”

“Rianna, Leigh, Tayla, and Maggie have been part of our QAFLW program from the start, so they understand and appreciate the journey we are on as a football club.”

“Then add Steph, who captained the Queensland representative team last year, and Megan, who was a captain of UQ, and I think it’s a well rounded leadership group.”

Photo by Southport Sharks. Left to Right: Tayla Gregory, Megan Hunt, Steph O’Brien (Vice-Captain), Rianna Schipp (Captain), Leigh Alder, Maggie O’Connell (Emerging Leader).