Swans duo to lead again but McVeigh suffers injury setback
Co-captains to continue but veteran Swan laid low with calf complaint
THE SYDNEY Swans have confirmed star duo Jarrad McVeigh and Kieren Jack will co-captain the club again in 2015.
McVeigh and Jack have led the Swans together since 2013, when Jack was appointed to the leadership position.
McVeigh has been in the role since 2011 and is the second-most experienced player on the Swans' list with 244 games, behind overall games record holder Adam Goodes (351).
"It's a huge honour, and something I treasure along with Kieren as well," McVeigh said.
"To be able to lead a very good football team every week is a dream come true for me."
However, McVeigh, 29, will miss the Swans' NAB Challenge opener against the Brisbane Lions on Friday after sustaining a minor calf injury.
The Swans hope he will be fit to take his place in the team for the hit-out against Fremantle at Drummoyne Oval on March 15.
Regardless, McVeigh believes the pre-season competition will allow some less-known players to push their case for round one berths.
The 2013 All Australian said he had been particularly impressed with former rookie-listed players Daniel Robinson and Brandon Jack.
McVeigh thinks the pair can follow the leads of Jake Lloyd and Harry Cunningham in making an impact at AFL level in 2015.
"A lot of the young guys have really come back in good condition," McVeigh said.
"Dan Robinson’s probably the real standout from the playing group, he has been a really good forward for us and hopefully he can come up, Brandon Jack as well has had a great pre-season.
"A lot of the middle tier guys who have played a lot of footy – (Luke) Parker and (Dan) Hannebery – they look really hungry for another good year again too."
Draft guru Cal Twomey teams up with Nat Edwards and Riley Beveridge to unpack all the winners and surprises from the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft
03:29
Roos explain shock pick swap, praise O’Sullivan
North Melbourne’s Will Thursfield offers insight into his club’s bold trade with Richmond and explains why No.2 pick Finn O’Sullivan is one to watch for fans
06:37
Tigers’ draft jackpot: What’s in store for 2025
Richmond’s Blair Hartley unpacks his club’s impressive draft haul and weighs in on No.1 pick Sam Lalor’s round one hopes
02:34
Jack Whitlock ditches graduation to get drafted
Key forward Jack Whitlock shares his excitement on Draft Night Live after skipping his year 12 graduation to join the Power at pick 33