New Cats vice captain Tom Stewart details role under new Geelong skipper Pat Dangerfield
Geelong vice captain Tom Stewart has detailed his role under new skipper Pat Dangerfield, who will lead the club in 2023.
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GEELONG vice-captain Tom Stewart believes his role within the club will not change under new skipper Pat Dangerfield, with the club announcing the new leaders for 2023.
The two Cats veterans were announced as the only members of the formal leadership group on Saturday after months of stipulation on who would take the reigns from retired Geelong legend Joel Selwood.
Stewart, who was Selwood’s co-vice captain in 2022 with Dangerfield, said his role within the team would not change much with the election.
“I think my strength is going to be to support Pat as well as I possibly can,” he said.
“Obviously being in this role (leadership group) for the last five years is something that I’ve treasured and to continually grow and develop in this capacity is something I’m particularly proud of.
“Serving Joel in that role (vice-captain) last year and now Pat, two icons of the game and to be part of this formal two-man leadership group is really special.
“But we understand it’s going to take a lot of us to take this group forward.”
Stewart has been a member of the formal leadership group at the Cats since 2019, and was elevated to a co-vice captain role in 2022 before being nominated to hold the title solely in 2023.
The 29 year old had arguably his best season in his career last season, averaging 23.2 disposals, 7.3 marks and 6.2 rebounding 50s across 20 games, but missed four games from rounds 16 to 19 because of a suspension.
Dangerfield said his relationship with Stewart made it an ideal pairing in the leadership group, and to lead the side in 2023 was “surreal”.
“It’s a very proud moment and to do it with Tom, who we’ve known each other for a long time now.
“We talk football every day at the footy club and at home.
“It’ll be special.”
Originally published as New Cats vice captain Tom Stewart details role under new Geelong skipper Pat Dangerfield
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