Dyson departure opens door for Andrew Fairchild to lead Whittlesea in Northern Football League Division 2

WHITTLESEA is not concerned it will experience a leadership vacuum despite the departure of captain Roy Dyson.

NFL Football: Whittlesea versus West Preston-Lakeside at Whittlesea Show grounds. Whittlesea's Roy Dyson,22 gets the kick away. Pictures:Angie Basdekis

WHITTLESEA is not concerned it will experience a leadership vacuum despite the departure of captain Roy Dyson.

The Eagles have a number of experienced players in their 2015 squad and will hand their captaincy to Andrew Fairchild when Dyson joins Glenrowan.

Fairchild captained Whittlesea several times last year when Dyson was injured.

Eagles coach Brad Dean said Fairchild was the obvious choice for the full-time captaincy.

“He captained the last nine games last season,” Dean said.

“He’ll definitely lead the side and he’ll do a terrific job.

“He was fantastic stepping up when Roy went down and he’s a natural leader, the boys follow him.

“He leads by example a lot. We’ll lose nothing in leadership with (Fairchild) taking over from Roy because they’re both really good at it.”

Dyson has left the club due to work commitments in Victoria’s northeast.

“We’re not going to be able to replace his hardness and ability to win the ball in the middle of the ground straight away,” Dean said.

“We’ll find a few blokes that can pick up the slack there.”

Dean said Matt Dornauf headlined a group the club hoped would become key players and lead its assault on Division 2.

“He’s one that will relish that extra time in the middle,” he said.

Dyson’s younger brother Riley is another who has shone throughout pre-season and appears set to take on a key role.

“He’s probably been our standout performer over the pre-season in terms of his fitness levels,” Dean said.

“I’d expect him to have a massive year.”

The Eagles believe their best will be good enough to challenge any side in what looms as a hotly-contested division, with clubs such as Thomastown, Hurstbridge and Mernda recruiting strongly.

With perennial challenger Fitzroy Stars expected to be around the mark again and Lalor, Panton Hill and Diamond Creek building, competition for top-four spots will be fierce.

“I’ve got a lot of confidence in my team,” Dean said.

“I’ve got no doubt if we’re switched on … we shouldn’t have to fear anyone on any day.”

Whittlesea’s campaign starts on Saturday, April 11, against Diamond Creek.