Fremantle midfielder Andrew Brayshaw has backed newly appointed Dockers captain Alex Pearce to do a great job in leading the playing group.
Brayshaw, who was considered a strong candidate for the role, ultimately was overlooked for Pearce who takes over as skipper from Nat Fyfe.
While Brayshaw says he was hoping to be named captain, he’s fully behind Pearce as he knows he still has plenty of time in his career to eventually ascend to the role.
“A number of us put our hand up I guess to be voted into the leadership group and to be put forward as captain,” Brayshaw told SEN WA Breakfast.
“That was definitely something I was hoping to achieve, obviously I’m still quite young, I’m 23 this year so I think there’s plenty more time for my time to come.
“Obviously, I would have liked to be captain, but I think the group has made a really smart decision and I think Alex will do a great job.”
With Pearce in charge, Brayshaw and fellow young star Caleb Serong have been named vice-captains which is something the star on-baller is excited about.
“I’m really excited by the new leadership group,” Brayshaw said.
“We’ve added three guys in, and ‘Moose’ Alex Pearce has been voted to captaincy while Caleb and I have been nominated as vice-captains.
“So, I’m very excited about where this leadership group can take the playing group this year.”
Brayshaw even tipped his co-vice-captain to have a breakout season, something that should scare opposition midfielders given the trajectory Serong has been heading in across his young career so far.
“I think that Caleb Serong will have, if he hasn’t already broken out, I think he’ll have an outstanding year this year,” Brayshaw said.
“He hasn’t really missed a session, he’s always one of the best on the track and I think he’s going to have his best year yet.
“The better we’re playing as a midfield group, the harder it’ll be for opponents to lock onto one player.
“I hope that Caleb does take that next step and I’ve got no doubt that he will.”
The Dockers continue their preparation for Round 1 when they face Port Adelaide in a practice match at Fremantle Community Bank Oval on Thursday evening.
Fremantle’s season officially kicks off when they face St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on March 19.