The Demons next club captain is a hugely important decision and one that could be crucial to Melbourne achieving the ultimate success in the future. Melbourne’s young, exciting and emerging team is ready to take the next step, but to do so, they need a strong, inspirational and passionate leader to set the example.
That man is Brad Green.
I think Melbourne want a player who has the ability to do something special in the heat of the battle, a certain aura around him that demands respect, whilst being a leader that automatically allows his teammates to walk taller every time they head down the race.
For all his admirable qualities, this is an area that James McDonald perhaps lacked in.
McDonald has done a wonderful job ‘filling the void’ during the clubs rebuilding phase and yesterday announced his semi-forced retirement effective at seasons end.
While he is extremely gifted and blessed with natural talent, he won’t be remembered for his leadership or superstar quality, but rather as an honest and hard working footballer that got the most out of his potential.
He should be applauded, however, for having the courage to take on the Melbourne captaincy when he did. At the time, the Demons were struggling both on and off the field, and the outlook was grim.
To his credit, he can walk away from the game with his head held high, both for the way he played and his role leading the club through one of its darkest periods.
But right now, he’s not the right fit as the club embarks on a new era.
It must have been a tough call for coach Dean Bailey to push McDonald into retirement, but ultimately I think it was both a brave and rational decision that is in the best interests of Melbourne.
There are obviously all different types of leaders and styles of leadership in football, and I’m sure McDonald was highly valued internally. But in my opinion, the Demons’ next captain must have a bigger presence and authority, on and off the field.
Brad Green has all the attributes and qualities the Demons are looking for in a leader and it would be a major mistake if he were overlooked for the role.
This season his football has stepped up to a whole new level and he will surely earn All-Australian selection as a result.
He can play in any position on the ground, takes strong pack marks, never backs away from a contest, leads from the front and consistently performs acts of bravery on the field that defy courage itself.
At 29 years of age, he has the right mix of experience and time left in the game to be able to lead the side for at least the next three years.
While Aaron Davey, Cameron Bruce, Brent Moloney and even Jack Grimes would be considered for the position, none of the above has the complete package Green has to offer.
Davey is more of a spiritual leader, Bruce is a bit old and too similar to McDonald, Moloney has had a lot of injury problems and Grimes is probably a bit too young to be able to handle the responsibility.
I would make Brent Moloney vice captain and put Aaron Davey, Jack Grimes, Tom Scully and Jack Trengove all in the leadership group to help fast track their development as future leaders.
It would be a huge mistake if Melbourne looked past Brad Green as its next club captain.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
The AFL has confirmed the right decision was made after a ball ricocheted off a boundary umpire's leg during the third quarter of Melbourne's…
Daniel Turner kicked three goals in his first game for 2024, just his fourth game for the club in his career. Even though he's…
A touching moment for the Demons star with Jacob Hopper.
There's an old saying that you should never argue with an idiot, because they'll drag you down to their level and then beat you…
Round 5 of the AFL provided plenty of action, from big scorelines to upset wins and pressure starting to build on some clubs and coaches already.
Brisbane forward Charlie Cameron has been handed a one-match suspension for a dangerous tackle on Jake Lever during the Lions' Thursday night win over…
