A new chapter in St Kilda's AFLW journey is set to begin, with Serene Watson elected as the club’s new sole captain ahead of the Saints' seventh year in the competition.
After five seasons under the leadership of Hannah Priest, Watson will take over the reins to lead the next generation of Saints AFLW footy as the club looks to take the next step following its maiden finals berth in 2025.
Watson's appointment follows a standout rise as one of the competition's premier defenders.
After arriving from the Gold Coast Suns ahead of the 2023 season, Watson quickly established herself as a cornerstone of St Kilda's future. Elevated to the leadership group in 2024 and vice-captain in 2025, the 24-year-old enjoyed a career-best campaign last year, earning her maiden All-Australian honours while helping guide the Saints to their first finals appearance.
Gun midfielder Tyanna Smith will step up her duties as Vice-Captain following a best-fairest-season performance last season. The captains will be well backed by returning leaders and inaugural Saints, Molly McDonald and Georgia Patrikios.
Emerging defender Paige Trudgeon has earned a call-up from her teammates for maiden leadership group honours in just her third season at the club, rounding out the newly appointed five-player leadership group for 2026.
"I don't think anyone who has watched Serene's growth as a player and leader over the past few years would be surprised by this decision," General Manager of AFLW Football Jessie Mulholland said.
"From the moment she arrived at the club she's led through her actions on and off the field and has consistently embodied the attributes to captain this football club one day and we're confident now is the right time for her to take the reins.
"As we welcome Serene into the role, we also thank Hannah for the incredible selflessness, care and commitment she has led this team with over the past five years, while supporting our younger players to grow in their own individual leadership.
"Tyanna's elevation to vice-captain is a reflection of her ability to lead through her standards and willingness to do whatever it takes for the team, while Molly, Georgia and Paige will bring a great mix of experience, personality and leadership to the roles - we're excited about what they can achieve together."
Watson was informed of the decision earlier this week by outgoing captain Hannah Priest, GM Jessie Mulholland and AFLW Senior Coach Nick Dal Santo.
"I was pretty emotional when they told me, to be honest," Watson said.
"It's such an honour to be given the opportunity to captain this club.
"St Kilda has become such a big part of my life since I arrived and to be trusted by my teammates to lead them is something I'll never take for granted.
"Hannah has been such a big part of my journey and I know she'll continue to be someone I lean on.
"We've got a team that's hungry, connected and ambitious, I couldn’t ask for a better group of girls to lead alongside and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together this season."
St Kilda will launch its 2026 AFLW campaign on Sunday 9 August, taking on Carlton in a blockbuster double header at Marvel Stadium for Spud’s Game in the opening match of the AFLW season.
2026 ST KILDA AFLW LEADERSHIP GROUP:
Serene Watson (C)
Tyanna Smith (VC)
Molly McDonald
Georgia Patrikios
Paige Trudgeon
