Ange Stannett to take over as Fremantle Dockers AFLW captain as Hayley Miller becomes deputy
![Ange Stannett will be Fremantle’s new captain.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/C-15225533/aca67871dc3afc2613e3e1ba1d329c72208bf90c-16x9-x1358y1219w5795h3260.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
Fremantle AFLW players have sensationally voted in Ange Stannett as captain, despite the versatile star missing the entire season through injury.
Stannett has replaced Hayley Miller as captain as part of an extended leadership group, with the former skipper set to serve as vice-captain.
The 27-year-old ruptured her ACL during a training session at Cockburn in May and is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
It means Miller is a strong chance to lead the Dockers on-field at times this season.
A trio of vice-captains have been named, with Miller to serve alongside key forward Aine Tighe and defender Laura Pugh.
Emma O’Driscoll and new recruit, former netballer Ash Brazil have been included in the group.
![Hayley Miller will now be vice-captain.](https://images.thewest.com.au/publication/C-15225533/18e9a3b719aeae11e4d0c8b99df1e610f0c9195f.jpg?imwidth=810&impolicy=wan_v3)
Stannett won the Dockers’ best-and-fairest award for the first time last season and is a hugely popular member of the playing group.
“I’m extremely honoured to be the third women’s captain of this Club, and a bit taken aback to be honest, given my personal circumstances,” Stannett said.
“It doesn’t change the way you show up for the group, but it is going to mean it will look a bit different, and we’ll be leaning on our other leaders and the entire group.
“I am so excited for how it is looking for 2024 and I’m very excited with the group we’ve put together, I can’t wait to get to work with all the girls.”
Miller, who had been captain of the Dockers since 2022, expressed some sadness at no longer leading the side but said she would throw her full support behind Stannett.
“I’ve been so proud and honoured to captain this team for the past three seasons. It’s been the highlight of my career so far and I think it’s natural to feel a little level of sadness to move out of that role,” Miller said.
“But I get to hand over the captaincy to Ange Stannett, someone who embodies our trademark in everything she does. I know she will do an incredible job and I will be right by her side in this next phase for our Club.”
More to come
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