Katie Brennan’s dream came true on Monday night.
Named captain of the Western Bulldogs women’s team after a players vote Sunday, the only thing left now for the Queensland-born 24-year-old is to do is lead the team out on what will be an historic night for player and Club.
It’s been quite the journey for the 24-year-old Queenslander – from filling in for her brother’s under-eight’s team, to captaining an AFL side before a live television audience in the opening round of a national women’s competition – and she is trying to absorb every minute of it.
“It’s an absolute dream come true to lead out this team, this group and this Club, she told westernbulldogs.com.au from last night’s Season Launch.
“It’s something I’ll hold really dearly and I’m absolutely humbled and honoured to be able to do so.”
Brennan said it was an emotional moment when Bulldogs coach Paul Groves gave her the news, but it wasn’t long before her focus returned to the challenge awaiting on Saturday night.
“I’m a big one for setting goals and it’s something that I’ve wanted to do since I pulled on a Western Bulldogs jumper - I wanted to be captain and lead out the group.
“But I just know that the hard work doesn’t stop here, it continues on, I want to be the best captain for this group that I can be and I can’t wait to get out there.”
Joining Brennan in the leadership group are Ellie Blackburn, Nicole Callinan and Hannah Scott, although Brennan says the group is blessed with leaders in every corner of the locker room.
“[We’ve got] really strong leaders, not only within the leadership group but across the board.
“There were thirteen girls that had votes across this whole voting process which just shows the depth in our team, and how much leadership is going to be out there on the field which is a really important thing.
Saturday night has been a long time coming for the new Dogs’ captain, and for all of the girls who will run out in their Club colours this weekend.
But when the light towers come to life, the TV cameras switch on and the crowds begin to stream through the gates, spare a thought for the little girls watching on with footy’s under their arms that can now dream bigger than they ever have before.
Gates open at 6.30 on Saturday February 4, and entry is FREE.
