Sturt has named James Battersby as its captain, replacing Zane Kirkwood
Sturt champion Zane Kirkwood led the club to two premierships, but the Double Blues will attack this season with a new captain after the midfielder stood down from the job.
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Hardworking onballer James Battersby will lead Sturt into battle this season after being named the club’s 44th league captain.
Battersby has replaced dual Magarey Medallist Zane Kirkwood, who has stood down after a highly-successful five-year reign in the role.
Kirkwood led the Double Blues to grand final triumphs in 2016 and 2017, but has struggled with depression in recent years.
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Double Blues coach Nathan Grima said the club’s football department always knew Battersby had the qualities to take on the captaincy job and this had been more apparent in the pre-season following the retirement of key senior players.
“Batts will be supported by Guy Page as vice-captain and Zane, who has stepped down as captain to mentor the next generation of club leaders,” Grima said.
“Zane Kirkwood is pure quality both on and off the field. The respect he has with the playing group, staff, officials and supporters is extraordinary.
“We cannot thank Kirky enough for leading the club to success and we are so pleased that the next generation of club leaders have him around to guide them.”
Battersby made his debut for the Double Blues in 2013 and has made 122 league appearances.
The Double Blues leadership group is Battersby, Sam Colquhoun, Matthew Crocker, Dean Gore, Tom Harms and Steven Slimming.
Pacy defender Luke Habel will captain Central District after Trent Goodrem opted not to continue in the position. Last year’s best and fairest winner Jarrod Schiller and Troy Menzel will be joint vice-captains.