Two emerging Clarence stars will step into vice captaincy roles in 2020 as club plans succession

Clarence has been led by one of the respected captains in the TSL for several seasons but coach Jeromey Webberley is putting the building blocks in place for life after Brady Jones

Clarence has handed youngsters Ethan Jackson and Jack Preshaw the vice captaincy for TSL season. Picture: Zak Simmonds

TWO Clarence youngsters have stepped forward as potential leaders of the future as the Roos put a succession plan in place for esteemed skipper Brady Jones.

The club’s list has undergone a significant transformation in recent seasons and coach Jeromey Webberley — one of several veterans in the twilight of their careers — is aware of the need to avoid a leadership vacuum.

It also comes as the Roos prepare to lose another experienced star in Jake Cox, who may have played his last match in the red and white.

Hard nut Jones is one of the most respected figures in the TSL and this year will be flanked by Ethan Jackson and Jack Preshaw, who have been appointed vice captains.

Clarence skipper Brady Jones is one of the most respected leaders in the TSL. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

The pair represent the next wave of talent Webberley hopes will return Clarence to a powerhouse of the competition in coming years.

“Brady turns 32 this year and he has been a wonderful captain for us for a long period of time, and he will remain a wonderful captain for us this year,” Webberley said.

“We need to make sure that when Brady decides either one he doesn’t want to be captain, or two he is retiring, that we have things in place to have some good young leaders step in and fill the void.

TSL: Ethan Jackson looks to burst clear of Lauderdale’s Hayden Smith last year. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“Ethan and Jack both put their hand up when I asked players to nominate for the leadership team, so it is a great little feather in their cap that they can sit back and know they are well respected within the playing group.

“It is a really good opportunity for them to learn off a good leader in Brady.

“These guys are the next wave coming through, it is about them starting to take some ownership of the group.”

Webberley said he is not expecting immediate significant changes from the duo in terms of on field leadership, but is hoping the added responsibility can help elevate their individual games while learning the ropes from Jones.

TSL: Clarence's Jack Preshaw looks to feed the ball off by hand against the Tigers. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“Both players played some really good games last year, they have both had a solid pre-season so hopefully they can take their game to the next level.

“That’s what we are looking for them to do, understand straight off the bat they are probably not going to lead as well as some of the older guys but we want them to just focus on their games and make sure they having an impact on ground.”