The GIANTS have today announced the club’s AFL leadership group for the forthcoming Premiership season with Phil Davis and Callan Ward set to lead the GIANTS as co-captains for the sixth straight season in 2017.
The pair head a seven-man leadership group which has seen Stephen Coniglio elevated to the role of vice-captain and Josh Kelly named in the leadership unit for the first time.
Coniglio takes over the role of vice-captain from veteran defender Heath Shaw who, after back-to-back All-Australian seasons, remains in the leadership group alongside forward Devon Smith and midfielder Dylan Shiel.
Defender Matt Buntine moves out of the leadership group but will continue a mentoring role as a highly valued member of the playing group.
Coach Leon Cameron said the leadership team has a good mix of youth and experience.
“We’ve conducted a thorough process and settled on a strong group to take us forward this season,” Cameron said.
“Phil and Callan have been terrific leaders of our club and we look forward to this continuing in 2017.
“As a highly regarded player within our team, Stephen Coniglio’s game speaks for itself and I’ve got no doubt he’ll do an outstanding job as vice-captain.
“Josh Kelly is developing into a great leader both on and off the field and coming into his fourth season is ready to take on this extra responsibility."
Davis and Ward (both 26) were named as the club’s inaugural co-captains alongside Luke Power in 2012. Davis has now played 97 AFL games while Ward has 167 games behind him after becoming the first player to reach 100 games for the GIANTS in 2016.
Davis said he was thrilled to be named co-captain of the GIANTS for a sixth season.
“It’s a real honour to continue to lead this club and I’m looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead this season and beyond,” Davis said.
“We made some good inroads last year but all of us are preparing well for 2017 and looking to improve in all aspects.”
Ward said the club was well served by a number of natural leaders in addition to those identified in the leadership group.
“With a good mix of youth and experience, we’ve put together a strong leadership group that is committed to driving this club forward in 2017.
“We are fortunate to have a number of outstanding leaders in the playing group, all with their own styles and strengths. Our players know leadership is a shared responsibility, it’s not just something left to those named in this group."
Stephen Coniglio, 23, played 23 games in 2016 to take his career tally to 85 matches since being selected with pick 2 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.
Heath Shaw, 31, has played 237 career games after debuting in 2005 and has been named in the All Australian team the last two seasons.
Dylan Shiel, 23, joined the GIANTS as a 17-year-old access selection and has played 87 AFL games including 23 games in 2016.
Devon Smith, 23, played 14 matches in 2016 and has played 93 games for the GIANTS since being selected with pick 14 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft.
Josh Kelly, 22, played all 24 games in 2016 and has played 60 games for the GIANTS in his four seasons at the club.
