Next captain options?

[allrighty]

A pretty sad day, ridiculous shoes for anyone to fill after Joel.
I think we’ve got some emerging leaders in Atkins and Holmes, maybe Cooper if he can cement a spot.
I don’t think Stewart is the right choice, he is a leader but more of the Chapman, Scarlett type than the football club captain. There’s a lot of off field stuff that goes with the job.

I think we need a mature player to take it for a couple of years before a younger player is ready. Blicavs and Guthrie would both be solid choices.

But it really needs to be Danger, he’s the only one who can go anywhere near filling the void by Joel. He won’t be the same but he is already doing a lot of leadership roles for the club. It would be fitting for him to take the last part of his career as club captain as he tries to lead to the team to another flag.

Correct. Internal leader not so much external. Gotta be Danger or Hawk.

 

[CatTricks]

Hawk probably gets first right of refusal in my eyes. If he doesn't want to do it then I wouldn't be surprised to see them install Danger and Stewie as co-captains

 

[Footy_Fan2007]

Danger for a year or until he retires then Atkins or Stewart.

 

[feelinfeline]

Danger - possibly, but will they appoint for just 1-2 years. History says no

History? Ling was captain for two years.

Anyway, as you say, there are pros and cons with all of them.

Those inside the inner sanctum will know their strengths and weaknesses better than any of us.

 

[pinion]

Dangerfield for me. His last month he played like a guy who could pick up a team and drag it across the line with him, much like someone else we know

At the start of 2007 i felt the choice of Harley over a younger ling made a statement that we were still pushing for a flag. Dangerfield would do the same

 

[noclashjumpers]

The more I think about it (which granted has accelerated over the last few hours), the more I'm convinced that Tom Atkins

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Tom Atkins

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3.0

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0.8

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11.6

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6.6

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1.2

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is the right choice.

I don't want to rehash my post from earlier (as I precede to basically rehash my post...!). He ticks all the right boxes for me.

1) Leadership qualities. Captained the VFL side. Obviously well respected by the playing group
2) Heart and soul player. Clearly gives it everything he has every time he closes the line.
3) Good communicator. Shown to be articulate and clearly quite smart.
4) Humble to a fault. If you want to know anything about whether he passes the captaincy character test, see the the now infamous text to Simon Lloyd.
To me it also suggests an attention to detail that as a captain you really need to have. (Obviously Joel took this to a ridiculous extreme)
5) The right age. This really sets him apart. You could make an argument for all other candidates based on the above criteria, but Tom really is the right age to grow into the role, and not simply be part of a string of stop-gap captains, which I feel would be a real mistake.

Unfortunately I think it's unlikely to happen, but I hope that his hat is, at the very least, thrown in the ring.

 

[feelinfeline]

The more I think about it (which granted has accelerated over the last few hours), the more I'm convinced that Tom Atkins is the right choice.

I don't want to rehash my post from earlier (as I precede to basically rehash my post...!). He ticks all the right boxes for me.

1) Leadership qualities. Captained the VFL side. Obviously well respected by the playing group
2) Heart and soul player. Clearly gives it everything he has every time he closes the line.
3) Good communicator. Shown to be articulate and clearly quite smart.
4) Humble to a fault. If you want to know anything about whether he passes the captaincy character test, see the the now infamous text to Simon Lloyd.
To me it also suggests an attention to detail that as a captain you really need to have. (Obviously Joel took this to a ridiculous extreme)
5) The right age. This really sets him apart. You could make an argument for all other candidates based on the above criteria, but Tom really is the right age to grow into the role, and not simply be part of a string of stop-gap captains, which I feel would be a real mistake.

Unfortunately I think it's unlikely to happen, but I hope that his hat is, at the very least, thrown in the ring.

Tom seems like a modest guy to me and I'm not sure if he has the confidence to take on such a role at this point. It wasn't long ago that he said in a post-match interview that he still felt like a fringe player. I could be wrong, but I doubt he's ready.

I think Stewart was the favourite until recent incidents, major and minor. He may still get it.

I can see the logic for giving Danger a year or two.

 

[noclashjumpers]

Tom seems like a modest guy to me and I'm not sure if he has the confidence to take on such a role at this point. It wasn't long ago that he said in a post-match interview that he still felt like a fringe player. I could be wrong, but I doubt he's ready.

I agree, this may well be a sticking point. But I'd be careful not to confuse modesty with a lack of confidence. Also if the role were offered to him, I'd hope that the confidence others had in him would boost his own. Seeing himself through the eyes of others, that is.

To be honest, if there is a down side to Joel being who and what he was, is that it does inevitably increase the weight of responsibility and expectation for whomever follows. As Auskicker Archie will attest, those are big shoes to fill.

 

[feelinfeline]

I agree, this may well be a sticking point. But I'd be careful not to confuse modesty with a lack of confidence. Also if the role were offered to him, I'd hope that the confidence others had in him would boost his own. Seeing himself through the eyes of others, that is.

To be honest, if there is a down side to Joel being who and what he was, is that it does inevitably increase the weight of responsibility and expectation for whomever follows. As Auskicker Archie will attest, those are big shoes to fill.

Sure. But I still don't think Tom's quite ready. I'm happy to be proven wrong, however.

 

[Sky]

As long as we don’t EVER have co captains, then I can live with Danger over Stewart

 

[Commando]

The only issue with Danger is if he misses games being managed
No doubt he’ll be the spiritual leader

Stewart is young enough to be a transitional captain and it’s always nice to have a skipper playing behind the ball

 

[cats_09]

I voted Atkins & still believe he has leadership capabilities, though my thinking has kinds swayed after watching the past 6 weeks

Watching Atkins this year after moving into the midfield, he reminded me of when Selwood would put the team on his back and the unwavering drive to get the win - stepping up while bringing his teammates with him

But watching the team over the last 6 weeks, I don't think I've ever seen Dangerfield look or play more leader like. He didn't look like the guy thinking he was wearing a Superman cap where it was him versus the opposition - rather it was him digging in & elevating his game while bringing his teammates with him & getting them into the game better than we've seen at times in the past

Dangerfield as a shorter 2/3 year option, while we bring through the next generation of leaders behind him

 

[Geelong_Sicko]

Dangerfield for me. His last month he played like a guy who could pick up a team and drag it across the line with him, much like someone else we know

At the start of 2007 i felt the choice of Harley over a younger ling made a statement that we were still pushing for a flag. Dangerfield would do the same

This is my position too. Give it to Danger until he retires. There's no doubt at all - he'll take the position if offered. He's got the

 

[witsend]

I think the options will really come down to just a few players - most have pros or cons attached.

Hawkins - unlikely given next year most likely his last
Duncan - has 1-2 years left but whilst I think he's a solid citizen, I'm not sure he's a leader
Blicavs / Guthrie / - same reasons as above
Danger - possibly, but will they appoint for just 1-2 years. History says no
Stewart - for some reason I'm not sold. The 4 week suspension and a few little things since just leave me unsure?

My guess is they'll go with Stewart as he's a longer term proposition and I think that's what the club will want.

I think they way Stewart handled his suspension ENHANCES his captaincy credentials. He mea culpa’d almost immediately after the incident. Apologised directly to Prestia by phone within a couple days, and was extremely contrite for letting the team down. He also insisted to his counsel that they were not to ask for any lighter sentencing. Classy.
Also, even Sel had some suspension issues on occasion e.g. the 2018 QF boundary incident which was quite undisciplined. Nobody’s perfect. Not even arguably the greatest captain of all time.


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[Mr Meow]

I voted Atkins & still believe he has leadership capabilities, though my thinking has kinds swayed after watching the past 6 weeks

Watching Atkins this year after moving into the midfield, he reminded me of when Selwood would put the team on his back and the unwavering drive to get the win - stepping up while bringing his teammates with him

But watching the team over the last 6 weeks, I don't think I've ever seen Dangerfield look or play more leader like. He didn't look like the guy thinking he was wearing a Superman cap where it was him versus the opposition - rather it was him digging in & elevating his game while bringing his teammates with him & getting them into the game better than we've seen at times in the past

Dangerfield as a shorter 2/3 year option, while we bring through the next generation of leaders behind him

Sorry I have to call BS on this about Danger - we won a flag so "now he's a team player".

Danger has morphed his game that way for several years now. Saturday he still did all his Danger things including breaking away from packs and bombing it at times, more directed kicks or releasing team mates at others. His kicking for the main part has been pretty good for a few seasons. His score involvement and goal assist tally speaks to that. Attack at the ball or the opposition first class - but they always have been. His one blemish is sometimes wayward kicking, especially at goal. Misses make you seem greedy, stupid or blind but sometimes it's as simple as it being an error in execution.

What happened this year? He was aided by getting more games rested, less minutes on field per game and some really good defensive minded midfielders around him. He wasn't running on fumes. Everybody else stepped up, mostly the mid tier and younger guys in fact. Danger has been getting best ons this finals series just like every other except for 2021. Playing in the same manner as Joel but with his unique skill set.


We didn't see a Danger transformation. We saw others step to his level and we had a whole squad matching his undying commitment.

 

[catsfootyfan89]

I do agree with the Dangerfield sentiment. I love that Isaac Smith

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Isaac Smith

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36

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188cm

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83kg

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M/F

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21.3

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13.0

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8.4

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5.5

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2.9

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1.7

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19.4

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11.1

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8.3

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3.8

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2.5

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1.3

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19.2

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10.6

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8.6

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7.6

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2.0

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0.6

3star

won the Norm, but for me, Danger was the most critical player on the field in our victory on GF day. His first half, when the game was on the line, was just full of contested footy and coalface brutality. He was unmatched by anybody else on the field. When Papley, Parker, Heeney and Mills were skirting the edges of packs, Danger was in the middle, amid a flurry of hands, elbows and fists, winning his own ball and dishing it out with desperation. Never seen anything like it in a Grand Final. It was captain-like.
It reminded me of Chapman in the 2007 Grand Final. Just a brute, refusing the lose the game.

 

[CatRiot]

Dangerfield for me, initially I thought Stewart. Changed my mind after Prelim and GF. Plus I think Dangerfield needs more accolades before he retires

Stewart is next in line for me.

Tomahawk is my third option, although he speaks okay, I'm not sure he's the type that can rev up the others.

Tommy Atkins still calls himself a VFL player, he epitomizes the heart and soul of the club no doubt, but you don't put Max Rooke

Max Rooke

Age

44

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189cm

Wt

93kg

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Fwd

Career

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Last 5

D

11.8

3star

K

6.0

2star

HB

5.8

4star

M

3.8

4star

T

2.8

4star

G

0.4

3star

No current season stats available

D

12.0

3star

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7.4

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4.6

4star

M

2.8

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T

2.6

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G

0.2

3star

captain do you at this level? I'm not sure, not against it, just unsure.

Jhye Clark maybe in 4 years, lol.

 

[Jhye Clark 13]

I reckon they might reward Hawkins for a season.

 

[Mr Meow]

I do agree with the Dangerfield sentiment. I love that Isaac Smith won the Norm, but for me, Danger was the most critical player on the field in our victory on GF day. His first half, when the game was on the line, was just full of contested footy and coalface brutality. He was unmatched by anybody else on the field. When Papley, Parker, Heeney and Mills were skirting the edges of packs, Danger was in the middle, amid a flurry of hands, elbows and fists, winning his own ball and dishing it out with desperation. Never seen anything like it in a Grand Final. It was captain-like.
It reminded me of Chapman in the 2007 Grand Final. Just a brute, refusing the lose the game.

Reminded me of Voss in those Grand Finals actually. Contested footy wise, his finals have always been elite but he did lift his influence this year.

 

[Mr Meow]

I'm still going with Stewart though.

I think we can get 4 years out of him and we won't need to be managed as much as Danger or Duncan.

But what I've noticed the past couple of years, and most this year is his leadership out there. Especially once it was officially "his" backline, every player around him stood taller and improved. He's been really influential and has a hard edge. A team first attitude to match. Kind of like Hodge for Hawthorn.

Would be a great option until the next generation are ready to take over.

 

[cats_09]

Sorry I have to call BS on this about Danger - we won a flag so "now he's a team player".

Danger has morphed his game that way for several years now. Saturday he still did all his Danger things including breaking away from packs and bombing it at times, more directed kicks or releasing team mates at others. His kicking for the main part has been pretty good for a few seasons. His score involvement and goal assist tally speaks to that. Attack at the ball or the opposition first class - but they always have been. His one blemish is sometimes wayward kicking, especially at goal. Misses make you seem greedy, stupid or blind but sometimes it's as simple as it being an error in execution.

What happened this year? He was aided by getting more games rested, less minutes on field per game and some really good defensive minded midfielders around him. He wasn't running on fumes. Everybody else stepped up, mostly the mid tier and younger guys in fact. Danger has been getting best ons this finals series just like every other except for 2021. Playing in the same manner as Joel but with his unique skill set.


We didn't see a Danger transformation. We saw others step to his level and we had a whole squad matching his undying commitment.

If you're talking specifically about my post, that's not what was said nor was there any mention of the grand final or flag, but if that's how you want to interpret things then go ahead

There's never been doubts about Dangerfield's ability as a player; but while he's comfortably in our top few players when at his best, the best players don't necessarily make the best captains or leaders at the club

My observations from this season is that there was a difference with Dangerfield's approach within game, including his ability to bring teammates into the game & lift them while lifting his game - that doesn't come from him spending time out due to injury or being managed across the season

 

[iameviljez]

Paddy deserves it but if he takes it for 2 years and retires (like ling did) stewart will be too old to be captain by then

Paddy is older now than Stewart will be in 2 years' time. No reason both can't captain in time.

 

[Mr Meow]

If you're talking specifically about my post, that's not what was said nor was there any mention of the grand final or flag, but if that's how you want to interpret things then go ahead

There's never been doubts about Dangerfield's ability as a player; but while he's comfortably in our top few players when at his best, the best players don't necessarily make the best captains or leaders at the club

My observations from this season is that there was a difference with Dangerfield's approach within game, including his ability to bring teammates into the game & lift them while lifting his game - that doesn't come from him spending time out due to injury or being managed across the season

Edit: moved to Dangerfield thread to not clog up captaincy talk.

Regarding that, Danger would be a fine choice and would have been in a Selwood-less team for years, but Stewart is who I'd go with.

 

[juzcat]

CEOs tend not to have the public profile of an AFL captain.

Agreed. But u do have CEO introverts that make it work, Musk, Jobs, Gates, Immelt. Introverts and move over to extraversion in part.

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[Phipppppa]

Joel was young when he took over captain from Lingy.

Henry? Holmes? Atkins?