The announcement of Cassisi as the Power’s main man ensures there will be at least five new faces when the club leaders gather for the annual captains photo at Telstra Dome next month.
A glimpse through the names of skippers unveils a range of different personalities, playing styles and, no doubt, varying leadership styles.
While more will become known as the 2009 season unfolds, afl.com.au’s Ben Broad thought he’d classify the leaders of the 16 clubs into categories.
Below are the ‘captaincy categories’ and which groups each AFL skipper fits into.
THE CAPTAINCY CATEGORIES:
Follow Me Boys
This guy is out and out inspiration. Game in the balance and your team need a lift? You can count on the skipper to step up. This fella only knows one way to lead – that’s from the front.
Confucius
A deep thinker of the game, he might not be the loudest guy at the club but he’s certainly among the most respected. When he speaks, his peers sit up and take note.
Bleeds for the Club
Would this guy ever play for another club? Never! He’s the heart and soul of your side. This veteran would rather play with a broken leg and win than see his beloved club get rolled.
Marquee Man
The side’s best player. Scan the backs of the kids at Family Day, and it's a fair bet that most of them have his number on their back.
Mr PR
Sponsors love this guy. Great in front of the cameras, he says all the right things. He’s just as good behind the scenes, having his finger on the pulse of the playing group and keeping all lines of communication running smoothly throughout the club.
THE 2009 AFL SKIPPERS:
Adelaide – Simon Goodwin
Goodwin’s playing ability speaks for itself. A four-time All-Australian and three-time best and fairest winner, the 238-game Crow has been a great replacement for his predecessor Mark Ricciuto. Seven goals in one game last year suggest his left boot might be just as potent in attack in his twilight years as it was through the midfield in his prime.
Type of leader: Bleeds for the Club/Follow Me Boys
Brisbane – Jonathan Brown
Fans love Big Browny just the way he is, and one would think he’ll revel being his team’s sole leader under the guidance of new coach Michael Voss. Hard at the contest, hard at the man and with the ability to inspire with a courageous mark or long goal, the huge forward is still a star of the competition and his team’s go-to man in attack.
Type of leader: Follow Me Boys/Marquee Man
Carlton – Chris Judd
They say demand for No.5 jumpers at Visy Park was so great after the star Blue was given his guernsey that Richard Pratt and Brett Ratten joined the manufacturing team to keep up the supply. Known as the AFL’s quiet superstar, just wait for a big moment in a match and watch Juddy let his footy do the talking.
Type of leader: Confucius/Marquee Man/Follow Me Boys
Collingwood – Nick Maxwell
This hard-at-it Pie only knows one way – that’s a million miles an hour. The footy world – and those at the Lexus Centre – know he’s not the most naturally gifted footballer in the competition but he will inspire with acts of bravery and courage.
Type of leader: Follow Me Boys
Essendon – Matthew Lloyd
Many doubted the Bombers spearhead in 2008 but, as champs do, he showed there’s no substitute for class. He’s been the leader of the Essendon forward line for years but last season assumed the title of club’s on-field leader in a pretty tough year for the Dons – and 62 goals wasn’t a bad effort given many were calling for his head early in the season. Still a star and a fan favourite.
Type of leader: Marquee Man
Fremantle – Matthew Pavlich
Six All-Australians, five best and fairest…need we say more? He has rejected big offers to return to his home state of SA to continue leading Freo with aplomb. Was knocked for shanking one or two shots at goal in crucial moments late in games last year but is still the man opposition clubs fear most.
Type of leader: Marquee Man/Follow Me Boys
Geelong – Tom Harley
A couple of years back Harley was one of the more inconspicuous faces when the AFL captains gathered for their photo shoot. How times have changed. Last year’s AFLPA captain of the year is credited with helping to reshape the culture down at the Cattery. The skipper’s game has also blossomed, with Harley being named an All-Australian defender in 2008.
Type of leader: Mr PR/Follow Me Boys
Hawthorn – Sam Mitchell
The Hawks’ clearance king has a decent record as captain – one season for one premiership. The club has several hard-nuts on the field but Mitchell, while a star in his own right, is arguably most valuable when cooling his teammates’ down and showing them the right way. A role model on and off the field and a favourite of the coach, the former VFL player has got where he is through sheer hard work.
Type of leader: Mr PR
Melbourne – James McDonald
Dream Teamers would know how valuable James McDonald has been in their side over the years given a tackle is worth four points. The veteran Demon is one of the game’s hardest workers, and when the ball is in dispute there’s only one place the midfielder’s head will be – straight over it.
Type of leader: Follow Me Boys/Bleeds for the Club
North Melbourne – Brent Harvey
Pint-sized Boomer could have won a Brownlow or two, so outstanding have his past few seasons been. He seems to be like a fine red wine too, so one doubts whether the captaincy will burden his on-field prowess. A prolific ballwinner with the ability to lift his side with a big goal, the Roos have put their faith in their star to lead in 2009.
Type of leader: Marquee Man/Bleeds for the Club
Port Adelaide – Domenic Cassisi
Cassisi’s appointment surprised a few in AFL circles. But the Power’s decision speaks volumes about the midfielder’s work ethic and popularity at Alberton. Shunted from the leadership group a couple of years back, Cassisi is back at the top of the pile and won’t throw in the towel without a fight. A real junk yard dog.
Type of leader: Follow Me Boys / Bleeds for the Club
Richmond – Chris Newman
The Tigers had a few options following Kane Johnson’s abdication, but both leadership specialists and the club said Newman was a standout choice among his peers. Not afraid of taking the tough road, he plays his footy straight down the line and his young teammates take confidence from that.
Type of leader: Follow Me Boys
St Kilda – Nick Riewoldt
He leaps tall buildings in a single bound, runs all day, kicks goals by the bagful…and looks great on the front of a calendar. In Riewoldt, the Saints have a star forward who’s able stand up and take a game by the throat – something many opposition teams can attest to. A regular inspiration.
Type of leader: Marquee Man/Follow Me Boys
Sydney Swans – Brett Kirk
Revered by many in the competition, including fellow captains, Kirk has an aura about him. Ferocious at the footy yet quiet and shy off the field, he is an inspiration to his teammates.
Type of leader: Follow Me Boys/Confucius
Craig Bolton
Like Kirk, Bolton is another of coach Paul Roos’ feel-good stories. Bolton, through sheer hard yakka, has become one of the premier defenders of the competition and the general of the Swans defence. A leader off the field as well with philanthropic activities, Bolton is always doing the right thing.
Type of leader –Confucius/Follow Me Boys
West Coast – Darren Glass
Glass has been a star of the competition for several seasons now. He also took over the club in a time of crisis and was just the man for the job. All full-backs need a cool head, and he is proving to be the stabilising influence the Eagles needed after a difficult period.
Type of leader: Mr PR/Follow Me Boys
Western Bulldogs – Brad Johnson
We’ve all seen how big Brad Johnson’s grin can get; imagine the size of his smile if he captained the Doggies to a flag! He’s spent half his life at the club and you can be sure he’d give up all his personal glories to play in a grand final in his beloved red, white and blue. A champ on and off the field, Johnno is the heart and soul of his club.
Type of leader: Bleeds for the Club/Marquee Man
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
