Former Fairfax Media journalist Rohan Connolly has revealed his top five captains of the modern era, following Luke Hodge's announcement earlier in the week.
Ahead of his 300th game against Geelong this weekend, Hodge announced he would retire at season's end, after a career that saw him captain Hawthorn to three premierships and win four overall, as well as being one of just three players in history to win two Norm Smith Medals.
Hodge's six years as captain between 2011-2016 saw Hawthorn enjoy one of their best ever periods, as he led them to four grand finals and three flags.
On SEN radio on Thursday afternoon, Connolly ranked his top five captains since 1970.
"He's an interesting one Shawy. When Leigh Matthews became Collingwood coach in 1986, there was a little period there where Shaw's spot in the side was by no means assured.
"He's such a great person, but he's such a fiercely determined person, so he just set his mind to making himself fit enough and strong enough to maintain that place, and then of course Choco Williams left to join Brisbane after '86, so Shawy had gone from struggling to hold his spot to captain of the side.
"He became captain of Collingwood as they rebuilt the team, they had another good era, made finals in '88 and '89, gets to 1990, and I would argue no grand final captain has ever been under more pressure than Tony Shaw in the 1990 grand final, with the weight of the 32 year premiership drought on their shoulders.
"Not only did he get them over the line to overcome what had become a significant hoodoo, but he was the best player on the ground and won a Norm Smith Medal."
"He'd already been at Essendon for five years when he became captain in 1983.
"They had lost five elimination finals (in recent years) but there was no coincidence that all changed when TD became captain.
"He was fantastic off the field... incredibly laid back, very friendly so even the young guys felt comfortable around him, he was very good at including them and making them feel part of the group.
"He was the hardest worker on the track by a mile, and the stories about Terry and his training are legendary. Amazing athlete."
"Tough, skillful and captained three flag sides.
"There was always a consensus he was the spiritual leader of the '08 side even though he wasn't actually captain.
"He had the ability to always impose himself on a game in a variety of positions. He could do it off a half-back line, go into the centre bounces and win a few clearances, and go forward and kick some important goals.
"He's another bloke who's toughness perhaps sells short his actual skill. His skill was praised more when he was a youngster, whereas in later years it's all been about his leadership and hardness."
"He became the captain of Carlton at the age of 23 after one season playing for the club.
"After only a couple of seasons of him being captain, Ian Collins who is a Carlton stalwart, said he is the best leader Carlton has ever had.
A tough and skilful key forward who was big on leading by example. He dragged other players with him. He is the second best captain of the modern-era."
"Voss became co-captain at just 21-years-old. A brilliant player, who was equally tough as he was brilliant. Intimidated his opponents with his strength.
"The last 10 minutes of the 2002 Grand Final he absolutely controlled it when it was 50/50 and would have won the Norm Smith if the votes were done at the end of the game.
"The greatest leader of his time."