The Carlton Football Club is delighted to today announce that Katie Loynes and Kerryn Harrington have been unveiled as the Club’s co-captains for the 2020 AFLW season.

It will be the first time in the Game Changers’ history that the side will be led by co-captains, with the playing group unable to split the pair when they voted during the Club’s pre-season camp last weekend.

Alison Downie, Sarah Hosking and Nicola Stevens will join their co-captains in a new-look leadership group for 2020.

Loynes has been a staple in the Blues’ midfield since the inception of AFLW, with her work rate, physicality and clean hands a feature of her play. She has missed only one game in Carlton’s three AFLW campaigns.

The 33-year-old cemented herself as one of the premier midfielders in 2018 as she claimed the Club’s best-and-fairest award alongside Breann Moody.

Loynes earned her spot in the leadership group ahead of the 2019 AFLW season as vice-captain, with her commitment, loyalty and honesty providing a great standard for her teammates to follow.

Harrington made the seamless transition from basketball to AFLW prior to the 2018 season, with her drive and determination ultimately earning her a spot in the leadership group before even playing a game.

A strong on-field presence and the ability to read the play saw Harrington rank in the top five for intercept possessions and establish herself as one of the most dominant defenders across the competition.

Harrington’s stellar 2019 season saw her earn All-Australian honours and place third in the Club’s best-and-fairest count.

What's in a number? 🤔 @darcyvee caught up with our newest Blues to chat about the meaning behind their new numbers. 👇#BoundByBlue pic.twitter.com/u7tIJmMbvQ — Carlton Womens (@carltonfc_w) December 10, 2019

Both Loynes and Harrington said it was an absolute privilege to be voted in by their peers.

“I have been a Carlton supporter all my life and to now captain this club is just surreal. I’m still getting my head around the prestigious honour of being a captain of the Carlton Football Club,” Harrington said.

“This group is really special to me and it’s a privilege to be voted in by my peers. I can’t wait to lead the girls out with 'Loynesy' against Richmond in Round 1: bring it on.”

“This Club has been my home since day one — it’s amazing to think back to my first training session in 2016 and the journey that has led me to this moment,” Loynes said.

“This opportunity is incredible and doing this alongside my great friend ‘Kez’ makes it even more special.

“We have a really exciting group which took great strides forward in 2019 and we are ready to hit the ground running in season 2020.”

GM of Women’s Football Ash Brown said the Club was thrilled to have Loynes and Harrington leading the way next season.

“Most importantly, Katie and Kerryn live to our values, set high standards, are totally invested in this playing group and getting the best of themselves and their teammates,” Brown said.

“As a club, we are really looking forward to seeing them both take on the challenge in guiding and supporting their teammates, while also driving the elite standards the game requires every time they walk through the doors here at Ikon Park.

“We couldn’t have better people leading the way for our AFLW program and I look forward to seeing the pair flourish in their new leadership roles."