Essendon Football Club today confirmed the leadership group that will support captain Jobe Watson during the 2012 season.
Michael Hurley and David Zaharakis become the newest additions to the group which also includes Watson, Mark McVeigh, Brent Stanton and Heath Hocking.
Senior coach James Hird said the inclusion of emerging players Hurley and Zaharakis would add a new dimension to the leadership group next season.
“The new look leadership group has a great mix of both experience and youth and we think it will have a positive effect on the playing list,” Hird said.
“It is particularly encouraging to see two of our younger players voted in to the leadership group by their peers.
“Michael and David’s elevation into the leadership group is a reflection of the hard work and commitment they show both on and off the field.”
Hurley, 21, made his debut in Round 1, 2009 and has played 47 games and kicked 49 goals for the Bombers after being drafted via selection 5 in the 2008 AFL Draft. Hurley received NAB AFL Rising Star nominations in 2009 and 2010.
Zaharakis, 21, who was selected with pick 23 in the 2008 AFL Draft has played 53 games and kicked 57 goals since making his AFL debut in Round 2, 2009. Zaharakis received a NAB Rising Star nomination in 2009 and won the club's best and fairest in 2011.
Kakadu Kangaroos
Captain of the first BomberTalk International Test Squad
BT Soccer World Cup Champion Captain of the Bombertalk Reds 3rd with 4 wins - 108.30%
(6 games) - 65 kicks, 33 marks, 52 handballs, 4 tackles, 3 Hit Outs, 2 goals
Good move. I think the Hurley move may be a bit premeture to probably assist in getting him to sign on the bottom line (don't think he will leave anyway)
I think they were (c) and (vc) in the u18 for Vic Metro weren't they?
Serious f****** man-love for Hurls.
He kicks on the left
He kicks on the riiiiiiiiigggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhttttttttttttt
That boy Hurley
Makes Riewoldt look shite!
rockhole wrote:Apart from elevating the status of the chosen players, does the leadership group really achieve anything???
What is the actual point of creating a leadership group.??
They do lots of good things, too many to name
I think it is just about elevating the status, getting certain players more involved in more pronounced decision making. Making them aware that they must lead by example and other bullshit like that, easing some of the burden on the captain. It's like a promotion to middle management.
We have had leadership groups since the 80's where you had a captain, VC and 2-3 deputy vice captains. Now they have just upgraded it so you can play it on "wank-word bingo"
He kicks on the left
He kicks on the riiiiiiiiigggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhttttttttttttt
That boy Hurley
Makes Riewoldt look shite!
McVeigh should be retired from this group. Done a great job - would have loved to see Tayter or Crammers (although young in games - wise in age) given a leadership role - they certainly exude it on field
Hurley a just has that aura of a leader - will be the next skipper
what kind of legend it Fletcher stepping down to give someone else some experience.... honestly has there ever been a better clubman at any club?
Kakadu Kangaroos
Captain of the first BomberTalk International Test Squad
BT Soccer World Cup Champion Captain of the Bombertalk Reds 3rd with 4 wins - 108.30%
(6 games) - 65 kicks, 33 marks, 52 handballs, 4 tackles, 3 Hit Outs, 2 goals
Jazz_84 wrote:what kind of legend it Fletcher stepping down to give someone else some experience.... honestly has there ever been a better clubman at any club?
Jazz_84 wrote:what kind of legend it Fletcher stepping down to give someone else some experience.... honestly has there ever been a better clubman at any club?
Wayne Carey.
well obviously
Kakadu Kangaroos
Captain of the first BomberTalk International Test Squad
BT Soccer World Cup Champion Captain of the Bombertalk Reds 3rd with 4 wins - 108.30%
(6 games) - 65 kicks, 33 marks, 52 handballs, 4 tackles, 3 Hit Outs, 2 goals
