Crows AFLW Captain Ebony Marinoff has credited former Skipper Chelsea Randall with helping shape her into the leader she is today.

On Tuesday, the Club announced the premiership player as the standalone Captain for 2026.

Marinoff had been Co-Captain for the past two seasons alongside fellow triple premiership player Sarah Allan, before Allan made the decision earlier this year to step down from the leadership group.

Speaking to the media after the announcement, Marinoff, who is a four-time Club Champion, revealed it was Randall who paved the way for her to become a leader of the football Club.

It comes a week after Randall, who captained the Crows’ AFLW team from 2017-2020 announced her retirement from the AFLW.

“About five years ago (former AFLW Coach Matthew) ‘Doc’ Clarke was adamant of having a four-person leadership team, and I actually came fifth in the votes, but Chelsea Randall was the one that said ‘no, I need Ebony Marinoff in this leadership group’,” Marinoff said.

“Five years later, to be standing here as sole Captain, Chelsea Randall almost, you'd say, started my leadership position at the club.

“She’s been someone who I've been so fortunate enough to play alongside of, I certainly wouldn't be the leader I am today without Chelsea Randall’s guidance. She has always stayed true to her values and her morals, and I think that she saw that in me, and that's pretty special. 

“I feel like I've definitely learned and grown in the leadership space with the guidance of Chelsea, but I think she just saw probably my passion and my desire to win as well. To be the sole Captain of the footy Club alongside, (AFL Captain) Jordan Dawson and (SANFL Captain) Kieran Strachan, it’s kind of a pinch yourself moment.”

Marinoff also paid tribute to former Co-Captain Sarah Allan, and said she was looking forward to continuing to play alongside and watching as she continued to be a pillar in the Crows’ backline.

“In terms of the decision that Sarah made, it was one that she made for herself, and then for the better of the team,” Marinoff said.

“I think it's a really selfless decision, and I can't wait to see Sarah continue to flourish and be that brick wall in the backline.”

Marinoff, meanwhile, will be supported this season by a six-person leadership group including Jess Allan, Chelsea Biddell, Eloise Jones (who has been elevated to Vice-Captain), Grace Kelly, Niamh Kelly, and recruit Grace Egan.

The Skipper said all six were welcomed additions to the leadership group, with each adding different skills and personalities.

“Grace Egan, what a remarkable kind of year that she's had, leaving Richmond Football Club, and then coming into our footy club, and being voted in by her peers is second-to-none,” Marinoff said.

“She's a real bubbly person, builds connections, dives into the relationship space rather than just surface level, and for her to come in is just extraordinary. 

“Then to have the two Kelly sisters, they've got so much experience, for people that don't know Irish, well, Gaelic footballers over there are so elite, they don't get paid, but the passion and the dedication that they show to their counties is invaluable.”

Marinoff, who is also a seven-time All-Australian, will lead the team for the first time as sole Captain during the Crows’ match simulation against Fremantle this Friday afternoon.

The match will also be new Senior Coach Ryan Davis’ first game against an opposition in charge.

Marinoff said she was looking forward to leading the team into its new era, alongside Davis and a host of new recruits, with the 2026 campaign starting on August 16.

“I'm a competitor, I'm here to win the premiership, and I certainly think our best team can do that with what we have at hand,” Marinoff said.

“I'm really excited to allow our new girls to step into some of those roles… (And) to be given this opportunity from the girls, to be trusted by them to lead in kind of a new era under Ryan.”

For the Crows’ full AFLW pre-season fixture, click here.