Collingwood have appointed Darcy Moore as their captain for the 2023 season, with the father-son Magpie becoming the club's 48th skipper.
Moore lands the role after serving as vice-captain to club great Scott Pendlebury, who decided to relinquish his duties in the role after a club-record 206 games as skipper.
Moore, who has been part of the Magpies' leadership group since 2021, has emerged as a stalwart in Collingwood's defence, earning All-Australian honours as one of the competition's best key defenders.
The club confirmed on Wednesday that the 27-year-old has been appointed as captain of the club.
โIt is truly an incredible honour to be given the opportunity to lead this team,โ Moore said in a club statement.
โThe Collingwood captaincy is significant in its own right but it also holds another layer of significance for my family and I. To follow my father's journey as Captain of the Collingwood Football Club at almost the same stage in his football journey is very special.
โThere's no shortage of strong and up-and-coming leaders in our group, and I look forward to working closely with the individuals that surround me to ensure we all continue to develop as leaders. I am fortunate to be part of a team and wider Club that features so many selfless and determined individuals.โ
Lifelong member of the Magpie Army, turns leader of the Magpie Army.
Darcy Moore is our Club's 48th VFL/AFL Captain ๐จโโ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/EQSNV0AU8K
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) February 1, 2023
Moore's appointment sees him follow in the footsteps of his father, Peter, who captained the club between 1981-82.
Collingwood have confirmed Taylor Adams, Jeremy Howe and Brayden Maynard will shape the club's leadership group for the 2023 season in supporting roles for Moore.
2023 will be Maynard's first in the leadership group, while Adams and Howe have spent eight and six seasons in similar roles respectively.
โWe congratulate Darcy on being appointed Captain and also Taylor, Jeremy and Brayden on their appointments to the leadership group,โ Collingwood General Manager of Football Graham Wright said.
โAll four players display a strong alignment to the Club values as well as attributes that will nurture, mentor and inspire the team.
โThis process has confirmed there is no shortage of upcoming leaders in our group. We are fortunate to have a number of players who will play a role in leading this team even if they don't hold a formal leadership title.โ
Collingwood will open their 2023 season against Geelong at the MCG on Friday, March 17.
