Steve Boyall and Sean Morris take on Wallan captaincy from Michael Mannix

After eight years Michael Mannix is handing over the Wallan captaincy, with two gun midfielders set to take on the Magpies’ leadership.

Wallan co-captains Steve Boyall and Sean Morris.

For the past year eights Michael Mannix has led Wallan with distinction.

In that time the Magpies made RDFNL finals in five of six completed seasons, reaching two preliminary finals and two grand finals.

However, 2025 will see a changing of the guard at Greenhill Reserve as star midfielders Steve Boyall and Sean Morris take the reins.

Saturday’s blockbuster grand final rematch with Riddell will be Boyall’s 50 match for Wallan, having come across in 2021, while it will be Morris’ 80th appearance in black and white after he arrived in 2019.

The pair have been constants in the Magpies’ midfield and been consistent vote-getters in league and club best-and-fairest counts.

Boyall said despite him having the mantle, Mannix was still as much the leader of the club as anyone.

“It’s just a label, so nothing much changes, but it is an honour,” Boyall said.

“Mannix has been by far the best captain I’ve played under, so it’s nice to know he’s still here with us to help me and Snake out.

“I guess given the circumstances, with the two of us taking over, and still having Mannix present even if he’s not labelled captain he’s still a leader.

“In my eyes he’s still the captain, I’m just filling in for him here and there.”

As a young player, Boyall captained Broadford when it was competing for RDFNL premierships under, now Riddell coach, Arron Bray.

Morris has been a part of interleague teams and won premierships in the Heathcote District with North Bendigo.

Pat Mahoney has been named co-captain, while Shaun Stewart and Brodie Gilchrist form part of the leadership group.

Sean Morris tries to collect the ball for Wallan. Picture: Josh Chadwick

After reaching the grand final last season, Wallan has only on goal in mind this season.

“We’ve made a few changes from a playing group perspective, a few different expectations,” Boyall said.

“Sean and I are driving that really hard and I think having the two of us monitoring it is really good, it will hold us in good stead.

“(A premiership) is the goal, there’s nothing else really in the picture for us.

“We’re just trying to do everything we can control as a playing group to put us in the best possible position.

“We don’t know, or really care, what’s going on at other clubs, we’ve just put a big focus on making sure we’re as prepared as possible.”

The Magpies were forced to sit out Round 1 after drawing the bye for the season-opening weekend.

They will kick off their campaign with a blockbuster rematch with Riddell at Greenhill Reserve on Saturday.

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The Bombers opened their account on Saturday with a 36-point win over preliminary finalist Macedon.

Boyall said his club was looking forward to seeing where they sit against the reigning premier.

“We’re excited, given we’re playing such a quality team,” he said.

“It’s one of those games, early in the year you want to pinch wins, but you want to play the best teams and then if you need to work on things you’ve got the whole year to do that.

“Riddell are going to be better than last year, we’re completely aware of that, but we’re just going to stick to the gameplan and hopefully that works for us.”