By Michael McMullan

DONEGAL footballer Niamh McLaughlin has been named as joint captain of Gold Coast Suns ahead of the 2025/26 season.

McLaughlin, from Moville, and Suns Academy graduate Lucy Single will lead the club into the new campaign.

In just her third season of Aussie Rules, McLaughlin will also become the first Irishwoman to captain an AFLW side, having missed just one game since joining the club three seasons ago.

“Niamh’s experience and qualities as a leader have been evident since joining our club two seasons ago,” commented Gold Coast Suns Head of Women’s Football Fiona Sessarago, in a statement on the club website.

“Whilst juggling the challenge of playing at the elite level in a third sport, she is a driver of high standards within the club and someone her teammates look to for guidance.

“Alongside Lucy and Niamh, we’re thrilled for Meara and Lily to have earned their first official leadership positions with the Suns. With the added experience of Jamie, Georgia and Charlie, it’s a well-balanced cohort that we believe can take our club to new heights as we embark on a fresh era.”

McLaughlin’s starring role for Donegal earned her the Player of the Year accolade in 2022 before her move down under.

McLaughlin and Single head up a seven-person leadership group, selected by the playing group and endorsed by the coaching and management teams.

McLaughlin has missed just the one match since making her AFLW debut two seasons ago, last year rounding out an incredible second season as Club Champion runner up.

The leadership group was selected by a process involving the Gold Coast SUNS playing group and endorsed by the coaching panel and club management.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity, and a history making one, for both Lucy and Niamh to have earned the right to captain the Gold Coast Suns,” Sessarago added.

“Lucy has been a part of this club for almost 10 years now, both as a member of our Academy and a key part of our AFLW program since 2020.

The Suns will take on the Brisbane Lions next Friday in its first pre-season match before getting their captain underway on Thursday, August 14 against the West Coast Eagles in Perth.