West Coast must choose wisely in replacing accomplished skipper Darren Glass.
The Eagles have decided to rotate a number of players through the role of captain for the remainder of the season after Glass announced his immediate retirement last week.
The Eagles’ veteran, who succumbed to a groin complaint, brought invaluable stability to the club when he was given the captaincy in 2008 during a period of turmoil.
The new captain will face a similarly difficult challenge. West Coast’s premiership window, which appeared wide open last season, has now slammed shut. With Glass gone and champion ruckman Dean Cox a chance to retire this year, the club is entering a fresh era under new coach Adam Simpson.
Despite high expectations, the Eagles have floundered on-field this year and last. Their seasons have been marred by poor foot skills, questionable fitness and, most worryingly, inconsistent levels of passion and competitiveness.
The new skipper won’t have much input in addressing the first two of those problems, but will surely need to combat the last one.
Simpson has said that the members of the Eagles’ leadership group would share the role. That group consists of Josh Kennedy, tough midfielder Scott Selwood, unrelenting on-baller Matt Priddis and Cox.
Cox surely won’t be considered for the captaincy considering his future in the game is in doubt. I would also rule out Priddis by virtue of his age. He will be 30 next season and given the Eagles face a potential rebuilding period, they need a captain who will lead the next generation of players for at least four or five years.
The one person who did not feature in that leadership group who has on-field leadership experience is former vice-captain Beau Waters.
Waters looked to have been earmarked as the Eagles’ next skipper but has been cruelled by a wide assortment of injuries. The rugged 28-year-old defender has missed 27 of West Coast’s last 34 games and it remains to be seen whether he can rejuvenate his AFL career. Waters relinquished the vice captaincy at the start of this season to focus on injury rehabilitation.
That leaves 26-year-old Kennedy and 24-year-old Selwood as the best-placed candidates. That pair were confirmed as Glass’ vice-captains at the start of the season, so they have some experience, albeit limited, in official leadership roles.
Kennedy could scarcely have made a more resounding impression in his debut outing as captain on the weekend. The bustling key forward slotted seven goals as the Eagles edged out top-eight side Gold Coast. He is vocal on the field and leads by example with his commendable work ethic.
But my pick for the captaincy would be Selwood.
The brother of the AFL’s best captain in Geelong’s Joel Selwood, Scott Selwood is one of West Coast’s most consistent players. If his naked passion, desperation and aggression could rub off on some of his languid teammates, the club could make a charge back towards the finals next season.
At just 24, Selwood could lead the team for up to seven or eight years which, in itself, should provide crucial stability.
Steven Paice
Roar Guru
I am a hardcore Eagles fan and don't think the captain can be anyone other than Scott Selwood. Like brother Joel he is a natural leader and a tough, uncompromising player that our club needs at this time. He should be deputised by Eric McKenzie, Shannon Hurn and Jack Darling for mine. To be honest there are very few others who should even be considered for leadership roles
Lroy
Guest
Ha ha... yes, I see I shot myself in the foot with that one... ;-)
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Darling has only just turned 22 and has been struggling this season so I wouldn't burden him with the captaincy of a labouring team at this point.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
It would be a surprise to see someone jump from outside the leadership group into the captaincy but McKenzie wouldn't be the worst choice. With Glass and Cox (probably) gone next season you'd think he'll at least be in that group.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Unsure of Shannon Hurn because of injury issues. Opts for Beau Waters. Alrighty then...
Lroy
Guest
I think Shannon Hurn would be a great choice, he has had his injury issues though.. Id be happy with him or Beau Waters.
Dylan
Guest
Eric Mackenzie and Jack Darling the dark horses and don't underestimate the leadership of Shannon Hurn highly rated for his on field leadership.
Paul D
Roar Guru
I must admit, I am amazed that the words "Jack Darling" didn't feature at all in this article when discussing future West Coast captains. Surely has to be one of the first names considered. Also, the timing of this article could be better given that Selwood has finally succumbed to the injury it was obvious he'd been carrying all season, and is rubbed out for surgery for the rest of the season. Hopefully he comes back and returns to his 2013 form next year, he's a quality player, with great pedigree.
johno
Guest
Butler struggles to get on the park week in week out. He's averaged 10 games a year for the past 11 seasons. Give it to NicNat and change the team name to the West Coast NicNats and the circle will be complete. You have to think - who has been the on field leader for this mob in the past 2 years? Who lifts them team and leads from the front. When the chips are down who keeps on having a crack? Captain Darling!
Daws
Guest
Sam butler would be another i would think, he;s been there since the 2006 flag, which he played in, and he's only 27, he sounds like a reasonable choice. experienced but still young enough to be a choice