A new generation of players will lead the GIANTS in 2020 with three new faces added to the leadership group under incoming captain Stephen Coniglio.
Reigning Coleman Medallist Jeremy Cameron, star forward Toby Greene and damaging wingman Lachie Whitfield have been elevated to the six-person leadership group and will take up official roles for the first time.
They join midfielders Josh Kelly and Matt De Boer, who will continue their leadership roles in the expanded group.
Unlike recent years, the leadership group will be without a designated vice-captain with each of the five players to share the responsibilities under Coniglio.
While no longer officially in the leadership group, long-term co-captains Phil Davis and Callan Ward will continue to provide support across the program after eight years in the top job.
GIANTS General Manager of Football Jason McCartney has welcomed the new additions.
“The whole playing group has been through a thorough process alongside our leadership consultant Cooper Cronk to settle on this group and we’re delighted to have Jeremy, Lachie and Toby join the leadership group for 2020,” said McCartney.
“All three players have been instrumental to the growth of the GIANTS in recent years and a spot in the official leadership group is well deserved.
“We’re very fortunate at the GIANTS to have some outstanding leaders and I’m really confident in the mix of players that will be supporting Stephen as on-field leaders.
“To have this group supported by Callan Ward and Phil Davis, who’ve led the club brilliantly since inception, has us in a really strong position for the upcoming season.”
The GIANTS open their 2020 season at GIANTS Stadium against Geelong on March 21 in the first-ever AFL/AFLW double-header for premiership points.
2020 GIANTS Leadership Group
Stephen Coniglio, 26, played 15 games in 2019 and has played 133 career games since being drafted with pick 2 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft. 2019 Jim Stynes Community Leadership Award recipient.
Josh Kelly, 24, played 18 games in 2019 to take his career tally to 118 games since being drafted with pick 2 in 2013. 2017 Kevin Sheedy Medallist.
Matt De Boer, 29, played 19 games in 2019; his third season as a GIANT. He has played 187 career games since his debut for Fremantle in 2009.
Toby Greene, 26, played 19 games in 2019 to take his career tally to 145 matches since being selected with pick 11 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft. 2016 Kevin Sheedy Medallist.
Lachie Whitfield, 25, has played 133 career games including 19 in 2019. He was the number one draft pick in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft. 2018 Kevin Sheedy Medallist.
Jeremy Cameron, 26, played 24 games in 2019 to take his career total to 154. 2019 was a career best year with the left footer winning the Coleman Medal for his 76 goals. 2013 Kevin Sheedy Medallist.
