New era for Hawks with Garner appointed VFLW captain

Experienced utility Nicole Garner will lead the Box Hill Hawks as captain in 2023.

Garner is a recognised leader within the VFLW program, having served as vice captain and acting captain in 2022.

The 30-year-old’s rise to the coveted leadership position comes off the back of two solid seasons in the brown and gold, following her two AFLW seasons with Geelong. 

Garner said it was an honour to lead Box Hill in 2023.

“I’m really privileged to have been voted in by my peers as captain of Box Hill in 2023,” Garner said.

“I’ve loved this club from the moment I walked through the door in 2021 and was honoured to serve as vice captain and acting captain in 2022. 

“I’m ready to take the next step in my leadership journey and I know our entire playing group is committed to taking the next step in our football journey as well.”

Garner will be supported by co-vice captains Jordan Mifsud and Nadia von Bertouch while Mietta Kendall and Grace McRae round out the leadership group. 

Mifsud, a proud Peek Whurrong woman, is Box Hill’s reigning VFLW best and fairest winner while von Bertouch was voted in as a leader for the second season in a row by her peers. 

Kendall and McRae both epitomise the character of an emerging leader, having come off successful 2022 seasons in the forward line and midfield, respectively.

Box Hill VFLW Senior Coach Cherie O’Neill was thrilled to have Garner, Mifsud, von Bertouch, Kendall and McRae lead the Hawks in 2023.

“I couldn’t think of five better people to lead our VFLW program this season,” O’Neill said.

“Nic is an incredible leader who is well respected by her peers. 

“I have no doubt she will serve us brilliantly as captain because she displays natural leadership attributes such as selflessness and a willingness to lead by example.

“She will be well supported by Jordy and Nadia, who are established leaders in their own right and continue to elevate their own games while selflessly helping those around them better themselves. 

“With a new-look team this season, I think our younger players will lean on the advice and guidance of two players that have an outstanding work ethic in Mietta and Grace.

“These five players understand the privilege of leading the brown and gold this season and I have full confidence that they’ll take our program to new heights in 2023.”