Meet the 2025 Leadership Team!

17/04/2025

The Sandringham Football Club is excited to announce our VFLW leadership group for 2025!

Transitioning from the Southern Saints into the Sandringham Zebras in November, we are pleased that the future of our VFLW program is in very capable hands. The leadership group boasts six new and old faces, ready to lead our women to success in their very first year wearing the yellow, black and blue.

Grace Hodder will take the reigns as our inaugural Zebs captain with Vice-Captain Erica Fowler by her side. Supporting them are Ali Hynes and Tayla Kearns along with Bella Enno and Beth Pinchin. This group of women will be an integral part of driving standards and creating history in 2025.

Grace Hodder- Captain

A dynamic midfielder with sharp decision-making and a relentless work ethic, Hodder leads by example both on and off the field. Her ability to lift standards, drive team connection, and perform under pressure makes her the ideal leader to guide the Zebras into their inaugural VFLW season.

"I feel really honoured to be captain.

Knowing that the group trusts me to represent them and be their voice is really special. It is obviously a big step up in terms of responsibility, however I believe I’m ready for the challenge and I know I’ve got a really great group of leaders around me to support me in this shift which is really exciting!

I’m really lucky that I’ve had some fabulous leaders in the past with the likes of Deejay, Ali and Tay who I’ve looked up to, learnt from and grown with - I hope that I can take some of that into my own leadership this year.

 

The best part about being a leader is that you’re bringing a group of individuals together, who all have similar goals and you get to build the bonds and trust within the group. No year will ever be the same - new people and new ways to get people ticking mean you need to adapt every year so we can all put our best foot forward.

A big focus for myself and the group throughout preseason has been growth and having a growth mindset.

I know that I’m going to grow a lot this year, I’ve already learnt a lot on and off the field in such a short period of time - I hope to bring people with me so that we can all grow and learn together. The best way to build trust and success is to all become better people together.

We’re in such a significant position - new team, new coaches, new support staff, new colours and officially being Sandringham players for the first year! It goes without saying that building a culture is a big focal point in what I hope to impress upon the group. We have an opportunity to do something for the very first time which we don’t often get to do in life!

I hope that after this year, all of my teammates and those involved in our program can reflect and honestly say that they have become a better person because of their time at Sandy. I think growth and trust and friendships are a byproduct of providing people the facilities and tools they need to become the very best version of themselves - in or outside of footy."

 

Erica Fowler- Vice Captain

With experience at both VFLW and AFLW level, Fowler brings a calm, commanding presence to the leadership group. Her professionalism, versatility, and ability to unite the playing group make her a natural mentor and key support to the captaincy team.

"Being named vice captain of Sandringham’s first-ever VFLW team is an exciting and meaningful opportunity. It’s a chance to help shape the foundations of a new team while sharing the experiences and lessons I’ve gained from my time in the AFLW system. I’m looking forward to working, alongside Grace, with a talented and driven group of players, building strong connections, and contributing to the growth and success of this team both on and off the field."

Ali Hynes, Bella Enno, Beth Pinchin and Tayla Kearns- Leadership Group

Former Southern Saints Co-Captains Ali Hynes and Tayla Kearns bring continuity and experience to the group, having already led with strength and consistency. They’re joined by emerging leaders Beth Pinchin and Bella Enno, whose energy, standards, and commitment to team culture have made a lasting impression. Together, this group provides a strong foundation of leadership across all areas of the field.

We are very excited to see this group in action when we kick off round one Saturday 19 April at Wilson Storage Trevor Barker Beach Oval against the Darebin Falcons at 11:05am.

Written by Emily Spong - Sandringham FC