The Importance of Next Captain

[TigerLand]

Had many a chat driving back down from the state funded bin.

One thing that stood out was the importance of our next captain. Nank is 30, and if we are honest not a full package. Id be surprised if he was captain in 2026.

Do we a) go Cotchin style and look to blood a young captain after Nank? Or b) do we go interim style like a Broad or Vlastuin who aren't that much younger than Toby but probably have a bit longer expiry date.

Id prefer a) but probably a fairly big issue is that we don't have any decent young leaders? Its too early to suggest McAuliffe but who else is there? Could Blight be a story and become our next captain like Stewart/Darcy Moore role?

I think any decent side contending has a really strong leader / leadership group. It's one of the reasons why Essendon have gone nowhere and Saints aren't going anywhere fast. One of the reasons why Pies were so successful so early with Moore, why Cats stayed at the top for so long with Selwood. Without him they've had their worse losing streak at home for 20 years. No Cotch and Jack and we've really struggled. Yes many other factors but a constant with successful teams is a strong leader.

Something along with building the list we need to get right. I'm stuffed if I know what our options are.

[Andyy]

I like the idea of Baker or D Rioli being captain myself.

Otherwise maybe Taranto?

[mat073]

Taranto would be my choice , he’s been the ultimate professional since he joined the club . - it’s also a symbolic shift from the Hardwick era .

[Damo]

Taranto the obvious choice

On the topic of the Aints … reckon VERY harsh there .. they are going nowhere and they are the Aints .. but I’d take there captain as ours tomorrow in a heartbeat .. strong quality leader Jack Steele and a damn fine player

[Simonator]

Taranto for me too. Baker if he stays.

Vlastuin doesn’t want the captaincy and isnt a good fit from my understanding.

Captaincy should be handed over at the end of the season

[Diocletian]

Taranto for me too. Baker if he stays.

Vlastuin doesn’t want the captaincy and isnt a good fit from my understanding.

Captaincy should be handed over at the end of the season

 Correct on all counts.

[one-eyed]

Your AFL club's captaincy situation going into the 2025 season

By Andrew Slevison, Nic Negrepontis, Lachlan Geleit
SEN
3 Dec 2024

RICHMOND

Captain: Toby Nankervis

The courageous ruckman skippered the Tigers on his own for the first time in 2024 which was his third season with the C next to his name, having previously shared the role with Dylan Grimes across 2022 and 2023.

With a whole bunch of promising kids through the door at Punt Road, it seems unlikely that a major change on the captaincy front will be made this off-season.

‘Nank’, who is now 30, still has a few years to offer at the elite level and should remain in the role for at least another season or two.

Beyond Nankervis there is Tom Lynch, but he’s already 32 and struggles to get on the park. Jayden Short was a co-vice captain in 2024 - the periphery leadership role seems his go.

It could be a situation where the club bides its time with various skippers to fill the void before one of the bevy of first-round picks is ready.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2024/12/03/your-afl-clubs-captaincy-situation-going-into-the-2025-season