WEST Coast vice-captain Josh Kennedy put his own leadership ambitions to one side when he voted for teammate Shannon Hurn to take the top job.
Kennedy was one of the Eagles' vice-captains last season, along with Scott Selwood, and performed well as acting captain after Darren Glass retired.
But the key forward believes Hurn was the best choice for the role in 2015 and beyond, and is happy to be his teammate's deputy.
"It was great to see 'Bunga' get it," Kennedy said.
"I voted for him. He's a terrific player and a terrific leader. His knowledge of the game is above a lot of us. The way he communicates with all the boys is fantastic. He's going to be a fantastic leader."
Kennedy was one of several Eagles who embarked on a Christmas visit to Princess Margaret Hospital for Children on Tuesday afternoon.
The 27-year-old said his body is in terrific shape after avoiding post-season surgery for one of the few times in his career.
The Eagles trained solidly on Monday at Patersons Stadium and the increased size of several players was again noticeable.
Will Schofield revealed that he had added 4kg to his frame and a number of the young midfielders have added significant muscle during the off-season after coach Adam Simpson spoke of the need for the Eagles' midfield to add bulk at the end of last season.
Kennedy said the muscle gains had been impressive, adding that there should be no fear of the Eagles losing any running capacity as a result.
"A few of the guys have come back a lot bigger and stronger, which has been fantastic," Kennedy said.
"And the group has still been running the same times as they were in previous years, so a lot of boys have been able to hold the weight and run the same times, which has been a positive.
"Hopefully we can hold that weight over this summer. It hasn't been too hot just yet, but it's going to start ramping up, so hopefully we can hold it."
Kennedy was also impressed by a number of the Eagles' young recruits. Draftee Damien Cavka broke the club's 2km time-trial record last week, running 5min 56sec to beat Chris Masten's previous mark by two seconds.
Kennedy said he was also impressed by Tom Lamb, who had stayed with him during his first week at the club after being drafted with pick No.32 in the NAB AFL Draft.
Lamb is an aspiring key forward and although he is being eased into his first pre-season he has been full of questions for the Eagles' three-time leading goalkicker.
"We've chatted a lot," Kennedy said.
"He asks a lot of questions and he's really eager to find out what it takes. He's going to fit in really well.
"I'm looking forward to playing with him."