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by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

WESTERN BULLDOGS
In December, the Bulldogs announced the appointment of former player Simon Garlick as the new CEO, replacing the recently departed Campbell Rose. Garlick studied and worked during his 181 game career. After his retirement, he held a number of management roles with LeasePlan Australia, gaining commercial experience. He was also a member of the AFLPA Executive Board and appointed to the Bulldogs' Board of Directors in 2007. In 2009, he was appointed the club's Chief Commercial Officer, overseeing key areas of the business, membership, sponsorship, events, marketing, communications and fan development.

In announcing the appointment, club president David Smorgon acknowledged other candidates' credentials but said Garlick was the outstanding candidate with his "detailed understanding of the AFL industry, ... high level of commercial acumen, ... successful track record, ... deep appreciation of our organization and the wider AFL industry, (and) ... his determination and commitment to succeed".

Source: Anna Mitchell, Club Media Release

SYDNEY
In mid-February, the Swans announced Adam Goodes and Jarrad McVeigh as joint captains for 2011. Goodes has been co-captain since 2009 while McVeigh has been a member of the leadership group for the past several seasons. In making the announcement, Coach John Longmire said both players "... epitomized the team-first values ... and would work well together". Longmire, who praised Goodes as a leader, believes the two will compliment each other. He was considering one, two or three captains (the Swans had three captains 2005-2009), but opted for Goodes and McVeigh whom he said were the best options at this time. He praised McVeigh for his onfield discipline, confidence to say what he thinks and his honesty.

McVeigh grew up in NSW and played junior football with Pennant Hills in Sydney's north. He also represented NSW in under-12, under-16 and under-18 state sides. He was drafted by the Swans in 2002, debuted in 2004 and has played 149 games. He won the club's best and fairest award in 2008 and played in the International Rules series in 2010. He missed out on selection for the 2005 Premiership team, but did play in the 2006 losing Grand Final team against West Coast. McVeigh, a lifelong Swans supporter, said it was an honor to captain the team he had supported all his life.

Goodes, 31, said he was excited to be reappointed as captain and is looking forward to working with McVeigh. He said the co-captaincy policy was a "... true reflection of the ... leadership we value ... and a real positive for us". He further stated that there were many leaders at the club and each led in a different way. He believes McVeigh will be a stand-out.

The Swans have had co-captains since 2005. Goodes was co-captain with the recently retired Brett Kirk for the past two seasons and Craig Bolton. Bolton gave up the captaincy in order to concentrate on regaining full fitness after a long injury layoff. He played only four games in 2010.

Longmire, who is in his first season as senior coach, said he was open-minded about the Club’s captaincy structure. “I considered having one, two or three captains but decided a joint captaincy between Adam and Jarrad was the strongest option for us at the moment,’’ Longmire said.

“I chose Jarrad as co-captain because he plays a disciplined role for the team and has done so for a number of years now. He understands the game well and is prepared to help drive the group,’’ Longmire said.

“He has taken his football to a level where he is confident and prepared to say what he thinks, and we value that honesty.’’

Source: Jenny McAsey, Club Media Release

WEST COAST
West Coast official Steve Woodhouse has been forced to retire from his role at the club due to Parkinson's disease. He was diagnosed with the condition five years ago but continued with the club. He was general manager of football for eight years before moving into the role of list and contracts manager two years ago. He was planning to remain with the club in a more limited role in 2011 but his condition has worsened, preventing him from doing so. He said he had enjoyed his ten years with the club and was proud to be part of a successful team and club. He said he was proud of his contributions and could leave satisfied with the job he had done, with highlights being the 2006 Premiership and two Brownlow winners (Chris Judd and Ben Cousins). He praised fellow staff members and the players for their hard work, calling it exceptional.

CEO Trevor Nisbett praised Woodhouse for his "... loyalty, dedication, attention to detail and ... professional standards", saying that Woodhouse handled the difficult job of football manager very well. Woodhouse remained with the club until the Christmas break in mid-December.

Source: Gary Stocks, Club Media Release

PORT ADELAIDE
In November, the club announced its new leadership group for 2011. Jacob Surjan, vice-captain in 2010, has been dropped from the leadership group due to missing most of the season through injury. The club has added Jay Schulz and Jackson Trengrove to the group. Both had impressive seasons in 2010 with Schulz, in his first season with Port after being traded from Richmond, kicking 33 goals in 16 games. Trengrove, drafted in 2008, made his debut in 2010 and had a fine season, playing 19 games rotating between the ruck and defense. Trengrove has already been earmarked as a potential future captain. Schulz, according to coach Matthew Primus, filled in admirably in a forward role after Warren Tredrea was sidelined with injury. Primus also said Schulz impressed with his leadership off the field. Others in the leadership group are captain Dom Cassisi, Dean Brogan, Troy Chaplin, Alipate Carlile and Travis Boak. Primus said younger players such as Boak and Trengrove were the future of the club. The club had just Cassisi, Brogan and Surjan as "official" leaders in 2010.

Source: heraldsun.com.au

ADELAIDE
In early December, the Crows named midfielder Nathan van Berlo as the new captain. Scott Stevens, Ben Rutten, Michael Doughty and Scott Thompson complete the five-player leadership group for 2011. Van Berlo becomes the sixth captain in the club's history. He follows Chris McDermott, Tony McGuinness, Mark Bickley, Mark Ricciuto and Simon Goodwin, who retired at the end of last season. Van Berlo, who has played 119 games, said he was honored to be named captain and is looking forward to "... leading the group into a new era" and believes the team can be successful. CEO Steven Trigg said van Berlo had worked hard on improving his natural leadership skills. He believes that van Berlo will do an excellent job as captain after being part of the previous leadership group.

Source: David Burtensahaw, Club Media Release

Article last changed on Sunday, February 27, 2011 - 7:17 PM EST


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