Steven Stroobants at a Bendigo Gold training session. Picture: Peter Weaving
SMALL forward Steven Stroobants has been named captain of the Bendigo Gold.
Former Sandringham player Matt Stapleton was named vice-captain while Tom Hams, Lee Coghlan, Nathan Beck and Daniel Toman have been selected to be part of the Gold's leadership group for the 2013 season.
The decision to put Stroobants at the helm was one that coach Austinn Jones said was strongly backed by the club's board.
“Steven is our most experienced VFL player and he’s an integral part of our plans to build a very competitive VFL team in 2013 and beyond,” he said.
“He’s got an outstanding ability to read the play, to make position and really put his own influence on a match, which is imperative at this level.
“However, being the captain of a VFL team isn’t just about football ability although obviously that’s important.
“Steven’s earned everyone’s respect with his playing record and his personal qualities.
“Throughout our pre-season training schedule, he’s demonstrated genuine leadership qualities amongst our young playing group.
“His work ethic on the track during the summer has been outstanding and his leadership, enthusiasm and overall commitment to the club have really been major factors in generating, and maintaining, the eagerness that every player has shown.”
“In addition, he’s tremendously loyal to this football club and loyalty and dependability are qualities that I rate and respect very highly."
The Bendigo Gold will kick off their 2013 season on April 5.