Joel Selwood will lead Geelong for an eleventh season after the Cats announced a three-man leadership group at last week’s season launch.
With 224 games as captain already to his name, Selwood is set to break former Blue Stephen Kernahan’s long-standing record of most VFL/AFL games as captain early in the 2022 season.
He currently sits level with Dick Reynolds in second, just two games behind Kernahan’s 226.
The 34-year-old said he had been “very lucky over a long period of time” and was looking forward to continuing to lead the Cats this year and potentially into the future.
Selwood will be supported by co-vice captains Patrick Dangerfield, who has been in the role since 2017, and reigning Carji Medallist Tom Stewart, who has been elevated to the vice-captaincy for the first time.
Stewart will move into the role as deputy after 106 games and three All-Australian selections since being taken at the 2016 NAB AFL Draft.
Stewart said he was proud to be selected as one of the club’s leaders for 2022.
“It’s a very proud moment for myself and for my family,” he said.
“The journey I’ve been on throughout my career, it’s always been something I’ve aspired to be – a leader of the footy club.
“To have this title is fantastic but … it’s not just up to us three, we’re going to lean on a lot of blokes and utilise as many voices as we can.”
Stewart said he hoped to lead by example on the field.
“The best way I can lead is to play well,” he said.
“That’s where I’m going to hang my hat to start – just go out there and compete and be the best player I can every week.
“I missed a pretty important part of the season last year so I’m really ready to get out [there] and be the best player I can for the club.”
Geelong football general manager Simon Lloyd said the new slimline leadership structure is a reflection of the depth of leadership across the club’s playing list.
“We are very fortunate to have a large group of exceptional leaders at the Geelong Football Club,” Lloyd said.
“We pride ourselves on a whole of club approach to leadership and on nurturing and developing strong leaders right across the club and Joel, Patrick and Tom are a key part of this culture.
“Our club is proud to have these individuals leading on field in 2022.”
