Seven Tigers will this year spearhead Richmond’s VFL side, with the 2019 leadership group to join captain Steve Morris now finalised.
The expanded outfit of seven is two more than last year and features three fresh faces.
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Four leaders from 2018 have been retained in Morris, Jacob Ballard, Hugh Beasley and Tom Silvestro.
Elevated trio Daniel Coffield, James Fletcher and Brenton Credlin round out the group.
Brenton Credlin, Daniel Coffield, James Fletcher, Steve Morris, Tom Silvestro, Jacob Ballard and Hugh Beasley.
VFL coach Craig McRae holds great confidence in those selected, and said the seven are unquestionably worthy of their roles.
“All the staff and players voted and there was a significant amount of appreciation for the top six guys (after Morris),” McRae said.
“We decided they all thoroughly deserved to support Morris in the leadership group.”
“They’ve all played a lot of games but they also recognise the day to day and week to week stuff…they’re great role models and they know how to prepare to be a VFL player.”
On the new additions to the leadership group, McRae is pleased the three have been rewarded for their efforts as they progress through the ranks.
“Daniel been in our program for a long time and is one of the most consistent players. His leadership has gone beyond the field, players appreciate what he brings day to day and I think he feels really comfortable to be himself,” he said.
“James has got a really mature approach to his footy and leads by example…he’s a great trainer and is really driven by the culture at the Club.
“Brenton has really stepped up, he has a real presence and has a lot to say on the track with positive reinforcement.”
McRae expects this year’s leaders to complement the player-driven culture and connection that exists within the tight-knit VFL side.
“Leaders are only as good as their followers,” McRae said.
“The great thing is our culture is not built on one person and we’ve got a lot of people who can lead from the front.”
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The only member of last year’s leadership group who will not make a reappearance in 2019 is Jake Aarts, who has advanced to Richmond’s AFL rookie list.
While his presence in the VFL side this year is sure to be missed, he provides a beacon of hope for his former teammates who hold AFL dreams.
“Jake is a terrific role model for others to follow,” McRae said.
“It gives hope to a lot of the players aspiring to play AFL…it shows them that there’s possibility and hope and a path to follow.”
