Blue armbands a show of leadership as the Power closes in on captaincy decision

As Port Adelaide closes in on picking its next AFL captain, Tom Rockliff has revealed just how the club is trying to spread the leadership load.

LEADERSHIP VACANCY: Port Adelaide is looking for a new leader to replace Travis Boak. Picture: Simon Cross

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As Port Adelaide closes in on picking its next AFL captain, Tom Rockliff has revealed just how the club is trying to spread the leadership load.

With the popular Travis Boak having handed over the captaincy reins and Tom Jonas and Ollie Wines the clear favourites to replace him (possibly as co-captains), Rockliff said a dozen Power players have been given expanded leadership roles over summer as coach Ken Hinkley searches for greater on-field direction.

The group, which has included Jonas, Wines and Rockliff, has worn blue armbands at various training sessions to signify who is in charge.

Port Adelaide’s Tom Rockliff, right, wears the blue leadership armband at training at Alberton on Wednesday. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“There’s been about 12 wear them throughout the pre-season,’’ said former Lions captain Rockliff, who was in Port’s leadership group last season in his first year at the club.

“Those players have been given the opportunity to take control of a session and step up and run as much as you can, to showcase your leadership skills throughout that.

Port Adelaide’s Jack Watts tackles Tom Clurey during training at Alberton on Wednesday. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

“I think the most pleasing thing is that everyone has done that (showed leadership) throughout the pre-season whether they’ve had that armband on or not.

“But I suppose it is just a little reminder when you are out there to make sure that it is at the forefront of your mind and you are leading to the best of your ability.’’

Rockliff and Steven Motlop led Port’s session on Wednesday, with Rockliff saying the pair had been “in control’’ of the training sessions for two weeks.

“It’s important we get more voices out there because once you start games the coaches aren’t out there and can’t direct you,’’ he said.

“A big thing for us has been to work on that across the board and it feels like we are progressing the right way with more vocal people on the track, which then translates to more efficient on-field performance.’’

With runners ordered to spend less time on the field this season, Rockliff said “it’s important that we get more messages spread among the players’’.

Rockliff refused to buy into the debate about whether Port should stick with club tradition and appoint just one skipper or opt for co-captains.

“The playing group and coaching staff will pick the best person or people for that role, whether it be one or two people,’’ he said.

“We are probably in a really good position in that there is a multitude of people who can do that role.

“We are not letting it dominate talk in-house at all.’’