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The appointment of Scott Pendlebury as Collingwood’s new skipper was about as inevitable as Eddie McGuire’s face turning 50 shades of purple this season.
But as unsurprising a choice as it is, the response has been just as predictable, with the entire football fraternity welcoming the crowning of the anointed one.
And why wouldn’t they – Pendlebury is an out-and-out superstar and supporters of all stripes love to watch him go about his business.
His predecessor, however, has never enjoyed such universal support.
Despite leading the Pies to their first flag in two decades, Nick Maxwell is still much maligned.
Unlike Pendlebury, Maxwell was always a workmanlike footballer who was never in the top echelon of players in the league, or even his club.
I overheard a bloke at the pub saying Collingwood has gone from having the worst captain in the AFL to the best.
On what criteria has he judged Maxwell and how is he so sure of Pendlebury’s captaincy before he’s led the Pies out on to the field even once? What is the making of an AFL captain?
Despite what some Maxwell supporters might tell you, on-field performance cannot be discounted.
A captain who can grab a game by the scruff of the neck can be the difference between winning a losing. He can win the game off his own foot or spark his team.
This seems to be the only criteria most people have used to judge both Maxwell and Pendlebury but as we will see, this is only one ingredient.
No matter how skilful or athletic footy becomes, it will always also be a game of momentum and psychology. A demonstration of skill or ability isn’t the only way for a captain to change a game or lift his team.
If a player sees their leader putting their body on the line for them, they will walk a little taller. If they see their captain run 50 metres to lay a shepherd then they will feel the need to reciprocate.
Michael Voss’s enduring commitment to his team and to victory helped him earn the respect of his teammates and inspire them to three flags.
But a captain’s commitment can’t begin and end when they cross the white line. A good captain needs to set the standards for training and preparation.
Only when a leader’s standards are beyond reproach can he demand the same from his men.
However it’s important to balance demanding more from a teammate with preserving the relationship.
Nathan Buckley was always known to be uncompromising in his preparation, to the point of damaging his relationship with his teammates.
One of the most important tasks for a captain is to make a connection with every individual on the playing list. Putting time into building up the individuals and strengthening relationships off the field will always deliver a stronger unit on the field.
Despite the many challenges Essendon faced last year, the young Bombers gave all they had for most of the season and it was obvious to all who watched they were playing for each other.
One of the most basic but challenging skills of an AFL captain is how to influence your team. Whether it be a mental blank, a curve ball from the opponent or an injury to a teammate, it’s easy for a player or even a whole team forget the game plan they practiced over and over in training.
A captain needs to be able to offer that direction.
Not only does the captain have to know the game plan and have a good football brain, he needs to ensure that his teammates will listen to you.
The respect earned through commitment and the support earned by focusing on relationships is the basis for good communication.
When it comes to directing his team, Luke Hodge is a maestro. At his best, Hawthorn is an extension of his will.
All captains will have their strengths and weaknesses but good captains are able to tick most of the boxes.
Pendlebury is already a superstar and inevitable leadership of the club was never in doubt but only time will tell if he has everything it takes to become one of the truly great modern captains.
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