North Melbourne star Jasmine Garner will again lead the Kangaroos in 2026 after being voted in for her second season as AFLW captain.

The five-time best and fairest and two-time premiership player led the team to ultimate success in her first season at the helm in 2025. 

Reigning best and fairest Ash Riddell will again serve as vice-captain in the upcoming season.

Garner and Riddell will be supported by an experienced core of returning leaders in Nicole Bresnehan, Jasmine Ferguson and Libby Birch.

North Melbourne general manager of women’s football Erin Lorenzini said the quality of leaders throughout the program is a source of great pride for the club.

“The continuity in our leadership from year to year reflects how these players uphold and drive the standards of this program,” Lorenzini said.

“They have the absolute respect of the entire playing group because they embody our humble, hardworking, and process-driven DNA.

“Throughout the process we had a number of players receive votes and recognition, reflecting the strong leadership across the entire program.

"We believe every player has a responsibility to shape and contribute to the culture of the program and we value each individual's contribution in building and sustaining it."

Garner said she continues to take great pride in leading the team.

“It’s a massive honour to be voted in by the girls as captain again, and it's a responsibility I don't take lightly,” Garner said.

“I’m really looking forward to working with this leadership group as we continue to look at ways to evolve this program both on and off field. 

“We are all incredibly excited for the challenge of the season ahead.”

The Kangaroos will step up their pre-season preparations in an official practice match against Essendon on Saturday, July 25 at Avalon Airport Oval.

They will open their 2026 NAB AFLW season against Geelong in a blockbuster double-header alongside the men’s team at Marvel Stadium on the weekend of August 13-16.