The Western Bulldogs have reverted to a two-man leadership structure for the 2021 season, with forward Mitch Wallis set to take on vice-captaincy duties beside skipper Marcus Bontempelli.
Bontempelli will enter his second season as captain of the kennel this year, with the club switching from a six-piece leadership group to just the All-Australian star and Wallis.
Bontempelli, Wallis, former captain Easton Wood, defender Jason Johannisen, midfielder Josh Dunkley and onballer Lachie Hunter formed the Bulldogs' 2020 leadership group, with the latter quartet now relieved of their duties following a player vote.
Speaking to the club website, Wallis expressed his gratitude in being voted by his peers to take on the deputy role.
โIโm really humbled that my team-mates have shown the faith in me to have this title,โ Wallis said.
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ & ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐จโโ๏ธ
Marcus Bontempelli will lead as captain for a second-straight season, with Mitch Wallis appointed as vice-captain.
๐ฐ: https://t.co/pDiIVYWiuq pic.twitter.com/AJ2UxgdwYC
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) February 18, 2021
โIt does mean a lot, and Iโm not taking it lightly.ย Iโm so excited about what this group can do going forward.
โI canโt wait to support Marcus, the coaches and my team-mates on that journey.โ
Coach Luke Beveridge commended his new leadership pairing, acknowledging the entire playing group will have a a vital role in moving the club forward.
โIn Marcus and Mitch, we have two outstanding figureheads who will help carry us forward,โ Beveridge said.
โMarcus did an almighty job in his first season as captain, impressively navigating the playing group through a year which had plenty of challenges.
โMitch has established himself as a player and person at this football club that we can all admire.
Forward
Disposals
Marks
Goals
โHe has always been a beacon for how to carry yourself, heโs always embraced every one of his team-mates, and heโs done his absolute best to set a good example on the football field.
โWe wanted to create an inclusive approach to our leadership model, which gives every player on the list an opportunity to lead in their own way,โ Beveridge said.
โWeโre pleased to have a squad with many players who are keen to contribute to the leadership space, whether they have experience in the system or are just starting out their careers.
โWeโve been strong on encouraging our players to lead, whether they have an official title or not, and weโll give them every opportunity to contribute throughout the 2021 season.โ
Born from our spirit, our history, our heroes.
This is a new generation.
Made of Red, White & Blue ๐ดโช๏ธ๐ต pic.twitter.com/oAbYdUhJ4J
— Western Bulldogs (@westernbulldogs) February 17, 2021
