Tara Bohanna has continued a whirlwind 12 months by being named Gold Coast's captain for the upcoming AFL Women's season.
After being recruited from the VFLW Southern Saints last July, Bohanna made an immediate impact for the SUNS, winning the goalkicking award and finishing in the top five at the best and fairest last season.
She will be deputised by Bess Keaney and Jamie Stanton, while Ellie Hampson has also been elevated into the four-strong leadership.
Bohanna, 27, becomes the fourth player to captain the SUNS and takes over from Hannah Dunn, who headed to Port Adelaide in the off-season.
Speaking to womens.afl, Bohanna said she could hardly believe her rapid elevation.
"I was probably a bit shocked at first," she said.
"With 'Dunny' leaving we knew we needed a new captain, but I wasn't sure it was going to go that way.
"I certainly wasn't expecting it, but it's a big honour, that's for sure."
Bohanna has captaincy experience with the Saints, but conceded AFLW would be a different beast.
"I just try and get around everyone and build relationships and connections with people," she said.
"I grew up being fairly shy but have definitely come out of myself since playing footy, it's a great environment for that and really inclusive.
"I love having fun and a bit of a laugh."
Bohanna said the ultimate goal for the upcoming season was to play finals, but just as importantly, to continue the club's improvement.
Coach Cameron Joyce said Bohanna's impact had been "remarkable" in less than 12 months.
"She has a great ability to connect to both our young players as well as her more-experienced teammates," Joyce said.
"What she does on the field and in her preparation shows she wants to be the best player she can be and get that same outcome for her teammates."
