Lauren Buchanan to lead Panthers women in 2019

South Adelaide premiership skipper Lauren Buchanan is set to lead the Panthers again in 2019.

Buchanan, who co-captained South alongside the now departed Kristi Harvey in 2018, was a clear choice as a stand alone skipper this season following voting from her peers and the coaching group.

Senior coach Rick Watts said that Buchanan was a deserving choice to continue leading South Adelaide's women in his first season at the helm.

"Lauren is a natural leader who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our group, not only in her football, but how to conduct yourself as a professional sportsperson being a Bay Sheffield winner in 2014," said Watts.

"With Kristi moving to Melbourne, Lauren immediately stepped up and lead from the front right from our first session back in November.

"She has such a great nurturing approach to her leadership with our younger players and is a great role model who drives elite standards with her preparation, work ethic and willingness to learn and develop."

Elyse Haussen will serve as Buchanan's deputy, following a break out SANFLW season in the Panthers inaugural year that saw her named in the SANFLW Team of the Year.

Meanwhile, 2018 leadership group members Emily Woods and Stacey Huddleston will retain their posts, joined by Tonia Fielke, who has impressed on the track on her recovery from a torn ACL.

Haussen, Woods and Fielke all further developed their leadership qualities during the off season working with the Panthers premiership-winning Under-17 girls program as line coaches.

Meanwhile, Huddleston brings a wealth of knowledge to the playing group as a dual SANFLW premiership player.

2019 SAFCW Leadership Group

Captain
Lauren Buchanan

Vice Captain
Elyse Haussen

Leadership Group
Emily Woods
Stacey Huddleston
Tonia Fielke