June Manning will lead the Southern Stars in their inaugural season. She will be supported by Tamara Toaolamai, Naia Toaolamai-Holden and Kirsten Gullery.
June played a huge role for the shakers in the premiership winning campaign earlier this year and is highly respected among the Canterbury AFLW community. A staunch defender, June leads from the back, turning defence to offence. June is excited to be able to lead the Southern Stars, and even more so to be able to open the season with the first Women’s Premiership game in Christchurch.
I am honoured and humbled to be selected as the captain of our very first AFL Canterbury Saints Women’s team. I am excited to have an amazing leadership group who lead both on and off the field to journey with me through this amazing opportunity. I am passionate about the game, looking forward to all the learnings and aim to inspire this passion in the team to create a united front on the field. The talent in the group already is phenomenal and can’t wait for us to showcase what Canterbury has to offer.
June Manning
Tamara and Naia will also both be entering their second season of the premiership and were both integral parts for their respective teams in the 2023 season. Naia is also a strong defender and can be lethal attacking from the backline, both and without ball in hand. Tamara is a strong leader and is also a well respected member of the Canterbury AFLW community.
New to the Premiership, Kirsten has been playing in the Canterbury AFLW for the last 3 seasons. Kirsten is a strong on field communicator and her wisdom will play a key role in supporting the younger members of the playing group.
