Dayne Beams has been appointed as captain of the Brisbane Lions, replacing off-contract star Tom Rockliff.
The 27-year-old won a player vote on Monday night ahead of Rockliff and the other major contender for the role, Dayne Zorko.
Rockliff has been named vice-captain while Zorko will serve as deputy vice-captain, with Stefan Martin, Allen Christensen, Ryan Lester and Harris Andrews also part of a seven-man leadership group.
“I’m deeply honoured to be given the privilege to captain the football club,” Beams said.
“I think we’ve got a really robust team around me. It’s my first year, I’m going to learn a lot along the way.
“I’d like to think I’m an action-based leader, I lead by example, I do what I say.
“The overriding thing is I’m really passionate about the footy club and where it’s headed, and the success we’re going to have.
“I’m definitely looking forward to the challenge that’s ahead.”
Beams was sidelined for almost all of last year because of a knee injury and is expected to make his first appearance of the pre-season on Thursday night against the Western Bulldogs.
Coach Chris Fagan said there were no concerns around the dynamic of Rockliff working alongside him.
“Tommy Rockliff’s come a long way. I think we need to look at it from that perspective,” Fagan said.
“If we did the vote four months ago I’m not sure it would have turned out the way it has.
“I would think, having chatted to him last night, he’s pleased he’s beena ble to make up that ground and be part of that leadership grou.
“Having been an AFL captain before, he’s going to be great support to Dayne.”
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
I honestly don't mean to labor the point, but any team that appoints a captain, vice captain and deputy vice captain doesn't really prove to me that they've got a whole lot of confidence in their captain. Or maybe I'm over-thinking. I dunno. (I genuinely do hope it all works out for the Lions though, you guys need a win)
Paul D
Roar Guru
Yeah I misread that part. A bit less thrilled but hopefully Beams has an All-Australian season. Cross the vice captaincy bridge if we come to it
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
Nah, if Beams get injured it'll be Rockcliff captaining, wouldn't it? Zorko's a deputy vice captain, which is essentially being the Vice Vice President. Seems like a really odd role, but leave it to the Lions to do that.
Paul D
Roar Guru
See below. And yes
Paul D
Roar Guru
That being said if Beams did get injured Zorko would be captain anyway, so maybe they're having a bob each way
Liam Salter
Roar Guru
I can't really blame you for being pessimistic, to be honest. Brisbane's not my club, but I'd have preferred to see Zorko get the captaincy. ... on another topic, you still check that email address that you gave me last year? I started a bachelor of media at uni today and I wouldn't mind having someone with experience to turn to if i ever needed help, haha (obviously up to you, I seriously wouldn't be worried if you didn't want to or anything, I just know that you're a pretty knowledgable dude).
Mickyo
Guest
GOd coast boy captains Brisbane
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
All unsubstantiated rumours about Fyffable, Paul D. Any of the remotest of remote possibilities of misunderstandings between our bestest top bloke and possible disgruntled seniors could only be down to the fact he often placed his coaches clipboard on where they wanted to sit in the changeroom during last years extracurricular stint. They've probably all left the club anyway, or soon will be... ;)
Paul D
Roar Guru
Bit of glass houses there Dalgety - Fyfe isn't universally loved either From all accounts Rocky got a big kick up the bum though when F a g a n rocked up at the club and has responded well - much like Tony Abbott he has a diehard group of fans who think he did a good job even if the results say otherwise, hopefully he does a better job of keeping his mouth shut than Tone and just gets on with winning the ball
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
"if there’s a clash of personalities between...and Rocky"?? ;)
Paul D
Roar Guru
From all accounts all that off-field stuff is F a g a n's strongest suit so in that sense it should be handled well. The only way it could cause issue is if there's a clash of personalities between Beams and Rocky or some of the other players who didn't vote for him.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
It's all about how it's handled really. If there's lots of well-targeted training, communication and processes around it, it'll have every chance of working perfectly. At the end of the day, by having the players choose it, they know it's their choice and they'll likely feel more responsible/empowered to unify behind their leadership.
I hate pies
Guest
I'd never let the players decide the captain.
Birdman
Guest
yep Zorko would have been the safer call but the players make it so they have to wear it.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
I'm with Paul D on this one. While looking at the appointment in isolation I don't think there's too much wrong with it, but once you bring in Beams injury history it certainly puts ? beside it. I personally probably would of gone with Dayne Zorko myself. But overall I'm hoping this might be a little push that Beams needs to take the next step in his career
Paul D
Roar Guru
Players voted, their call – but I do worry about Beams as skipper. If he can’t get on the field this year combined with his natural arrogance it could turn out to be a toxic combo. Anyways. Hopefully it works out, but given our recent history you’ll forgive me for being pessimistic.