Here portadelaidefc.com.au casts an eye over some of the contenders for the Power’s top job.
Shaun Burgoyne
Age: 26
Games: 148
The younger Burgoyne brother filled the role of acting skipper in the last five rounds of season 2008 after Tredrea was sent off for shoulder surgery. Burgoyne was one of three vice-captains at Alberton and has already expressed interest in leading the club.
The explosive midfielder is among the top two players at Port Adelaide and has a game breaking ability which could help him become an influential skipper.
Burgoyne, who prefers to lead by his actions rather than words, is still coming to terms with being heavily tagged each week, but should benefit from a fit Chad Cornes and Steve Salopek returning to the side and possibly also the inclusion of no-nonsense onballer Josh Carr.
Dom Cassisi
Age: 26
Games: 128
Cassisi was re-elected to the leadership group last season after a year on the sidelines and blossomed in his new role. The in-and-under midfielder led the club in tackles and clearances and inspired teammates with his uncompromising attack on the ball.
Cassisi, who is on track to notch up his 150th game next season, made a conscious effort to speak up and improve his leadership skills within the group and also established himself as one of the most valuable players at the club by finishing runner-up in the best and fairest.
The popular West Australian should be a serious contender for the captaincy or vice-captaincy in 2009.
Kane Cornes
Age: 25
Games: 162
Cornes followed a similar path to that of Cassisi last season, also returning to the leadership group after being squeezed out in 2007. The consistent onballer has transformed from a young player obsessed with his own performance to one genuinely interested in mentoring and helping to develop the young playing group.
The dual All-Australian and best and fairest winner has vowed to continue to improve his leadership skills and his reliability and consistency should see him in the mix next season.
Chad Cornes
Age: 28
Games: 198
Cornes, often referred to as the club’s spiritual leader, would be an ideal candidate for the captaincy, but in the past has been reluctant to assume all the responsibilities that come with the top job.
The animated utility is considered the barometer of this Port Adelaide team, but is likely to remain in a vice-captaincy role next year.
Steve Salopek
Age: 23
Games: 78
Salopek, injury permitting, will wear the number one guernsey someday, but perhaps not just yet.
The gutsy midfielder, who missed a handful of games last year with an achilles strain, has been ravaged by illness and injury since he joined the club as a first-round draft pick in 2003.
Salopek embodies everything Port Adelaide stands for: courage, determination and a sheer distaste for losing, but will probably need a couple more uninterrupted years to prove he can handle the captaincy.
Troy Chaplin
Age: 22
Games: 61
Chaplin is another youngster who has already been touted as a future captain. The defender exudes maturity beyond his years off the field, but needs to establish a bit more consistency on the field before he can be considered a genuine contender.
Chaplin is one of the most popular and highly regarded players at Alberton and the club will look to nurture his development as a leader in the coming years.
Travis Boak, at just 20 years of age, is another player that falls into this future leader category.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.
