AFL grand finalists GWS have replaced inaugural co-captains Phil Davis and Callan Ward with Stephen Coniglio for 2020.
AFL grand finalists GWS have shaken up their leadership structure by announcing Stephen Coniglio as their skipper for 2020.
After a humiliating 89-point loss to Richmond in the 2019 grand final, the Giants will take a fresh approach for the future with the newly-resigned Coniglio to replace inaugural co-captains Phil Davis and Callan Ward.
Davis and Ward, both 29, had been club captains since the Giants joined the league in 2012.
The pair announced 25-year-old Coniglio as their successor on Tuesday after eight years in the leadership role.
“It’s a start of a new era, a changing of the guard and an exciting day for Callan and I,” Davis said.
“It’s something we’ve spoken about since day one, that there was going to be a time where there was a chance to hand over to the next brigade and that time has come today.”
Coniglio signed a seven-year-deal with the Giants in August, rejecting offers from Hawthorn and Carlton to become a one-club player.
He battled a knee injury this season and was sidelined for the Giants’ inaugural grand final appearance.
“I think the co-captaincy thing, for the boys to do it for the length they did, there wouldn’t be many other organisations where two guys can come together for that long with different leadership styles but gel so well,” Coniglio said.
“Why one (captain) I’m not sure exactly, but it’s the direction we’ve gone.”
Coniglio said the captaincy decision was announced by Davis and Ward at a dinner during an off-season trip to the United States a few weeks ago.
“(They spoke) about how they loved their time as captains of this football club and they felt the time was right for a change and they wanted me to take over,” he said.
“Having that really special moment there and then to have it in front of the playing group and staff (on Monday) and see the reaction from my teammates and staff members was great for me.”
IAP
Guest
You know the system is broken when a team that plays in the grand final can get 2 top ten picks in the draft in the same year. Coniglio will have more talent to slot into the plastics line-up that should have gone to another team. Their concessions are the gift that keeps on giving.
Raimond
Roar Guru
Maybe instead of commenting here you can write to the AFL and ask for all 22 of your matches to be played at the MCG. Plenty of money in it, Gillon might give it a go.
Nico
Roar Rookie
and you wonder why...
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
He doesn't strike me as a fan of either Mary or her husband's work mate.
XI
Roar Guru
I think you need to read Frankenstein because it seems the point of that story missed you by.
Duckworth-Lewis
Guest
The AFL got their man to stay at their Frankenstein club and he has been rewarded. This team of champions will never be a match for a champion team like Richmond. I doubt Greater Waste of Space will even make the eight next year.
Cracka
Roar Rookie
Good luck to the lad, well done great way to hand over the leadership of the club.
Paul D
Roar Guru
He's going to have a tough road ahead, that whomping the Giants got dealt out on grand final isn't going to be forgotten anytime soon. At least he didn't have to play in it.