The new Greater Western Sydney co-captains spent some time with Aussie cricket legend Steve Waugh after the captaincy announcement this morning, and let’s hope they were listening.
They are going to need all the advice they can get. The new club is making and breaking records with the announcement of 21-year-old pair Callan Ward and Phil Davis to share the captaincy with Luke Power.
Here are the stats: Davis has played 18 AFL games during two seasons with the Adelaide Crows. Today’s appointment makes him the most inexperienced AFL captain since Haydn Bunton took the reins of Fitzroy in 1932.
Ward, meanwhile, has played a relatively high number of games – 60. His elevation to co-captain makes him the sixth youngest leader in AFL history.
After the announcement I asked Ward, who is sporting a healthy beard, if he plans on keeping it now he is captain. He replied that he had better as it makes him look older.
Keep in mind Ward comes from a Western Bulldogs team full of experienced players, where he was the youngster looking to learn. While he certainly showed potential at the Dogs, where he was regarded as a future captain, he has gone from the outhouse to the penthouse in terms of appointment.
Power has a lot of responsibility. After 282 games and three premierships, he is practically the teams chaperone. Most of the squad are only 18, and this year could be a tough one for the Lions stalwart. He is likely to hang up the boots after this season, to be replaced in a captaincy role by $2 million dollar recruit Tom Scully, who was left out after his acrimonious split with the Demons.
It’s a huge weight on his shoulders to lead a side fresh out of high school, with only six weeks of team training behind them and 39 days until they meet the Swans in round one.
The Giants do boast some talent in the wider leadership group. Supporting the co-captains is Scully, Rhys Palmer, Dean Brogan, Setanta O’hAilpin, and Chad Cornes.
This is a group of eight that will have to keep the side in good spirits and fighting when they take several heavy losses early on.
Power has the perspective that comes with age, particularly having been a youngster when the Bears and Fitzroy joined forces in 1997, but the qualities of the others will be tested in the early rounds, and the way they respond will go a long way to shaping the Giants first season.
You get the feeling, though, that season 2012 is not the priority for Kevin Sheedy. When asked what he expected out of his side in the next months trial games, he simply said, ‘Entertainment’.
The age of his leadership group, and indeed his side, speaks of a long term commitment to success, rather than a team thrown together to attempt to sporadically succeed early on.
Those wearing Giants colours this year are either promising youngsters, or, like Power, veterans who are there to guide them in their fledgling careers, and create a culture that can compete with the best when all those teenagers are 22 or 23.
It’s a long view, one which needs to be shared with foundation fans, as they endure what could prove a painful year.
Lachlan
Roar Guru
Great result for Giants fans. Power is a quality player and natural leader and i believe still has another season on top of this year left. Ward is a young football who can really excel and seems to be a good leader. Davis is a leader and the future of the club.
stam
Roar Rookie
And that's my point (your second line anyway) GWS are already in damage mode with scully, surely when they signed him they intended him on being a leader at the club, now it looks like they don't have the faith in him to handle the pressure/ lead the club. Which leads to my point of money not well spent.
mark
Guest
Its not uncommon for the best players in a side not to be a captain. Also after the year Scully had they just want to take the pressure off him.
stam
Roar Rookie
I'm seeing plenty, surely the fact a younger player being elevated to captain before him is a pretty damning sign.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Stam, Its still preseason. There's no indication any decision to sign or keep any player was worthwhile.
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
The scandal with his dad, who had been doing exactly the same job with the Swans, was that the AFL "investigator" didnt bother to ring his previous employer and see what sort of job he did. "He's certainly got the capabilities of doing the job full-time," said Kinnear Beatson, the Sydney Swans' manager of player personnel. "I've always found him to have a good eye for it (recruiting). "If we had the budget for a full-time position, I would have no hesitation in approaching Phil." http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/sydney-swans-say-phil-scullys-top-notch/story-e6frexwr-1226209492268
stam
Roar Rookie
Ahh cattery does the splinters not get anoying up there on the fence? I kid of course.
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Callan Ward showed a capacity to mix it in the midfield straight away, but some might argue that Scully will become a better player than Ward - we'll have to wait and see.
stam
Roar Rookie
Wouldn't you expect that a fit scully would burn past power? But honestly I feel that we could already come to the conclusion that scully is not worth his salary, was he not overpriced to start with as there was nobody else available? Also with the scandal in regards to his dad and now him not being appointed a captain, is it not fair to assume callan ward is worth scullys salary?
The Cattery
Roar Guru
We'll know in 10 years whether it was worth it or not. At the moment, a fit Scully can probably go with Power yard for yard, but with the experience that Power brings, you just have to put him in amongst the three co-captains. It's set up for Scully to take over from Power next season - if he proves himself this season.
Stam
Guest
Although it states that Scully will replace power is it not a bad Indicator as to where Scully is at as a footballer? Money well spent? I can't see it
The Cattery
Roar Guru
Will good perspective, and I like Ward's answer to your question! Ward impressed with the dogs as the young pup in midfield, he went in after the ball, was never overawed and bounced back up after every contest (except for one I can remember when he was concussed) - so I expect that he will be a great example for the teenagers in the team - his message to his young team mates will be: I did it when I was 18/19 - and you can do it as well.
Australian Rules
Guest
Good luck to em... Has all been said before, but wow this team is young. 13 of the 22 named by Sheeds for Round 1 had played 0 games. The back 6 are likely to get murdered. But you've gotta start somewhere...
stabpass
Guest
Phil Davis can be considered a local Canberra boy, but i imagine that Adelaide may claim him as well, he spent time in both cities.