Hawthorn has confirmed Ben McEvoy will be the club’s sole skipper for the 2022 season.
McEvoy took over the captaincy from Ben Stratton at the start of last year, playing every game as the Hawks narrowly avoided the bottom four, finishing 14th.
He was thrown around on the field in 2021, the ruckman also spending time down back as the club looks to find the best mix for their list rebuild.
The 32-year-old acknowledged the previous season as a tough year but says he’s looking forward to the challenge in a new era for the club.
“I feel extremely proud to be trusted by my peers and given the opportunity to lead this great club again in 2022,” McEvoy said.
“While last season presented its own obstacles, I was very grateful for the support I received from the leadership group, the players and the entire club during my first year as skipper.
“I would also like to thank my wife Nicky, and our kids Angus, Moira and Clancy who were pillars of support during my first year as captain, and who continue to challenge and inspire me every day.
“I have been presented with so many incredible opportunities across my time in the brown and gold, and to lead the club once again in 2022 is an absolute privilege.”
Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett was impressed at the way the former Saint led the side in his first year as captain and is “thrilled” to see McEvoy take the reins again.
“The club is extremely proud of the way Ben led our playing group in 2021, particularly when faced with another challenging and sporadic year amidst the COVID-19 pandemic,” Kennett said.
“With or without the title, Ben is an unspoken leader that is admired by the entire playing group and football department staff – consistently taking a club-first approach with his core values and good character at the forefront.
“From our members to our players and staff, everyone is thrilled to call him our skipper for another season and I can’t wait to see him lead the team out onto the field again this year.”
McEvoy will now need to adapt to the ways of new coach Sam Mitchell, who replaced mentor Alastair Clarkson at the end of last season.
The Hawks are yet to announce the remainder of their leadership group for 2022.