The Brisbane Lions have named Harris Andrews and Lachie Neale as co-captains for the 2023 season, with Hugh McCluggage named as vice-captain. The announcement comes after outgoing skipper Dayne Zorko stepped down from the position he held since 2018.
Andrews, a former All-Australian team member in 2019 and 2020, has been with the Lions since joining the Brisbane Lions Academy. The defender has been Vice-Captain for five seasons and is excited about taking on a greater leadership role.
Neale, a star midfielder, has a long list of achievements, including the 2020 Brownlow Medal, three All-Australian blazers (2019, 2020, 2022), and three Merrett-Murray Medals. He had a taste of the captaincy last season when he stood in as skipper for a Round 17 match against Essendon.
The talented duo will lead an 11-person leadership group, which includes McCluggage, Daniel Rich, Lincoln McCarthy, Oscar McInerney, Charlie Cameron, Josh Dunkley, Jarrod Berry, Ryan Lester, and Jack Gunston.
Brisbane Lions General Manager Football, Danny Daly, said the Club was fortunate to have so many quality leaders to choose from. He added that Andrews and Neale are exceptional people and leaders, and they each have different leadership qualities that will complement each other.
In other news for the Club, senior coach Chris Fagan has signed a two-year extension, keeping him with the Lions until the end of the 2025 season. Brisbane Lions Chairman, Andrew Wellington, said the Club is pleased with the extension of Fagan’s contract, as he has played a key role in the resurgence of the Club in recent seasons.
The Lions will host the Geelong Cats in a practice match tomorrow night and will begin their season on March 18 against Port Adelaide in Adelaide.
