AFL Women's Premiership Captains and Coaches
Since its inception, the AFL Women's (AFLW) competition has seen a rise in legendary figures who have led their teams to the ultimate glory. From the inaugural season to the most recent triumphs, the history of the premiership is defined by strategic coaching and resilient leadership on the field.
Key Facts
- Chelsea Randall holds the record for the most premiership captaincies with three titles.
- Matthew Clarke and Craig Starcevich are the only coaches to have won multiple premierships, with two wins each.
- Adelaide is the most successful club in terms of premiership wins.
- The league has seen a diverse range of winning coaches and captains across different clubs since 2017.
The Evolution of AFLW Leadership
The journey of the AFLW premiership began in 2017, marking the start of a professional era for women's Australian Rules Football. The early years were dominated by the Adelaide Crows, who set a high standard for leadership and tactical execution.
Bec Goddard made history as the inaugural premiership coach in 2017, guiding Adelaide to the first-ever title.
The Dominance of Chelsea Randall
No player has been more central to premiership success than Chelsea Randall. She has captained Adelaide to three separate titles in 2017, 2019, and 2022 (S6). Notably, for the 2017 and 2019 victories, she shared the co-captaincy role with Erin Phillips.
Elite Coaching Legacies
While many coaches have tasted success, Matthew Clarke and Craig Starcevich stand out as the only individuals to secure two premierships. Clarke achieved his wins with Adelaide, while Starcevich led the Brisbane Lions to their titles.
Premiership History Summary
The following table provides a comprehensive overview of every AFLW premiership team, their captains, and the coaches who led them to victory.
| Year | Premiers | Captain(s) | Coach |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Adelaide | Chelsea Randall, Erin Phillips | Bec Goddard |
| 2018 | Western Bulldogs | Ellie Blackburn | Paul Groves |
| 2019 | Adelaide | Chelsea Randall, Erin Phillips | Matthew Clarke |
| 2021 | Brisbane | Emma Zielke | Craig Starcevich |
| 2022 (S6) | Adelaide | Chelsea Randall | Matthew Clarke |
| 2022 (S7) | Melbourne | Daisy Pearce | Mick Stinear |
| 2023 | Brisbane | Breanna Koenen | Craig Starcevich |
| 2024 | North Melbourne | Emma Kearney | Darren Crocker |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has captained the most AFLW premiership teams?
Chelsea Randall holds the record with three premiership captaincies, leading Adelaide in 2017, 2019, and 2022 (S6).
Which coaches have won more than one AFLW premiership?
Matthew Clarke and Craig Starcevich are the only coaches to win multiple premierships, with two titles each.
Who was the first coach to win an AFLW premiership?
Bec Goddard was the inaugural premiership coach, leading Adelaide to victory in 2017.
Which clubs have won multiple AFLW premierships?
Adelaide and Brisbane are the clubs that have secured multiple premiership titles.
Who captained the 2024 premiership team?
Emma Kearney captained North Melbourne to the premiership in 2024.