Jarryd Roughead’s elevation to Hawthorn captain another uplifting twist in inspirational comeback

WHEN Jarryd Roughead was unveiled as Hawthorn’s new captain it was another uplifting twist to one of footy’s most joyous storylines, writes Jay Clark.

Jarryd Roughead after being named Hawthorn captain. Picture: Michael Klein

JARRYD Roughead knows he’s going to get goosebumps.

When the big man began his treatment for cancer last year, he thought his comeback would have to wait until the second half of 2017 as he worked slowly back to full health and fitness.

But everyone’s favourite Hawk is not only eyeing a return in the next month or so, on Friday the club made the fun-loving redhead it’s captain.

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It was another uplifting twist to one of footy’s most joyous storylines for some time.

And not surprisingly, his phone went into overdrive with messages from wellwishers, after a typically no-fuss announcement from Alastair Clarkson in a players’ meeting before training on Friday.

The coach was the man who broke the news to Roughead via text message about 7.45am.

New Hawthorn captain Jarryd Roughead with his vice-captains Liam Shiels and Isaac Smith. Picture: Michael Klein

Dry and self-effacing as always, Roughead said he would be “the same old me, just with a letter next to my name”.

But when he emerges from the MCG tunnel before the Hawks’ season-opener against Essendon in Round 1 in about two months’ time, the roar from the adoring football crowd will be anything but low-key.

Most likely, it will be spine-tingling, especially for the man himself.

Captaining Hawthorn has been an absolute honour and privilege.
I feel lucky to have held the… https://t.co/s8rddPa99I

— Luke Hodge (@LHodge15) January 20, 2017

Roughead - champion footballer, fights off cancer, becomes captain. It's a movie in the making. I'm thinking Brad Pitt or Ryan Gosling.👏🏻👏🏻

— Xavier Ellis (@XaviEllis18) January 19, 2017

“Oh yeah,” he said, when asked if it would be an emotional time.

“Whether that’s in the preseason comp, or Round 1 I don’t know yet.

“But when something like this taken away from you, you just don’t know what to think. But I’ve got a chance now to get back into it and have a bit of fun.”

New Hawthorn skipper Jarryd Roughead poses for a photo with fans. Picture: Michael Klein

After doing all the necessary checks with medicos, experts and teammates, no one at Hawthorn seems in any doubt that Roughead, 29, is ready to handle the captaincy next season.

Really, he was born for it.

His battle with cancer over the last year has brought into plain view how much Roughead is loved and respected, not only among teammates, but by everyone in football.

Congrats to big @JarrydRoughead2 on being named skip very selfless bloke has really reached out and helped with my rehab process.. #legend

— HughGoddard23 (@hughgoddard23) January 20, 2017

As much as football can be tribal, deep down there is probably something inside every football fan which will be cheering for the Leongatha product next season.

We saw how emotional and upset Jordan Lewis and Shane Crawford were when they spoke about Roughead’s cancer battle last year.

And you heard Clarkson say the club would give all of its premierships back in an instant if it meant “Roughy” could return to full health.

Jarryd Roughead back in training before Christmas. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

On the field, his teammates know the kind of leadership they’re getting.

Remember, Roughead was the man who laid the bone-crunching tackle on Daniel Hannebery that set the tone for their 2014 Grand Final triumph over Sydney.

The four-time premiership forward will go down as one of the brown and gold’s greatest, and perhaps most versatile goalkickers.

He has 491 majors over 231 games, but there is a big job ahead.

He takes over the skipper’s job from one of the most decorated captains of recent times in Luke Hodge, who can now enjoy perhaps his final season of football without the burden of official duties.

Of course, Hodgey will be there to help and guide his good mate.

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