Dual Brisbane premiership forward Charlie Cameron has thrown his support behind Harris Andrews to assume the role of sole captain for the Lions, as the club gears up for its imminent leadership group announcement. This endorsement comes in the wake of significant changes to the team's leadership structure, following Lachie Neale's decision to step down from the co-captaincy earlier this year.
Leadership Transition at Brisbane Lions
After leading the Lions alongside Andrews to consecutive premiership victories, Lachie Neale relinquished his co-captaincy position in January. This move occurred amidst a highly publicised and tumultuous marriage breakdown, marking a notable shift in the club's leadership dynamics. Neale's departure has created a pivotal vacancy at the helm, prompting discussions about the future direction of the team's captaincy model.
Coach's Perspective on Dual-Captaincy
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has openly admitted that he was never an advocate for the dual-captaincy approach. Despite his personal reservations, the Lions achieved remarkable success under this system, reaching three consecutive grand finals with Neale and Andrews at the leadership helm. Fagan has acknowledged a degree of superstition regarding altering a formula that brought such substantial achievements, highlighting the delicate balance between tradition and evolution in team management.
Contenders for Leadership Roles
With Neale's position now vacant, attention turns to potential successors within the squad. Star midfielders Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley emerge as the primary contenders to join Andrews in leadership capacities, having served as vice-captains during the previous season. While Brisbane could theoretically appoint all three players to shared captaincy duties, Andrews appears strongly favoured to assume the reins independently, according to insider perspectives.
Cameron's Public Endorsement
Speaking at an AFL partnership extension event with Virgin Australia in Melbourne, Charlie Cameron addressed the captaincy situation directly. 'When Lachie stepped down, there was a huge role there to fill with the captaincy,' Cameron remarked. 'We'll find out in the next few weeks about our captaincy; we're going through the process at the moment with our leadership group.'
Cameron offered glowing praise for Andrews' leadership qualities, stating: 'Harris is an unbelievable captain, so he'd be fine doing it by himself. He's a very good role model for our younger players, and he lives out our trademark. If it's Harris by himself, I'll be pretty happy with that.' The forward also acknowledged the capabilities of McCluggage and Dunkley, noting: 'But Josh and Hughy have been unbelievable vice-captains, so they might put their hand up.'
Personal Focus and Team Ambitions
In a revealing personal development, Cameron disclosed that he has chosen to step back from his position in the Lions' leadership group for the coming season. This decision stems from his desire to concentrate on refining his own form and performance consistency. 'Throughout the pre-season, I've stepped back from my leadership role and just tried to focus on my own role going forward,' Cameron explained.
The dual All-Australian reflected on his previous season's performance, acknowledging: 'I didn't have the standard I wanted in the season, but the last probably three games of the finals I showed that I can still have that impact with limited opportunities.' He emphasised his commitment to improvement, adding: 'Trying to get myself in a position to have an impact in pre-season and understand that my best is up there with the best. I've just got to try and do that consistently.'
Chasing a Historic Third Premiership
As the Lions set their sights on an unprecedented third consecutive premiership, Cameron expressed confidence in the team's ongoing motivation and preparation. 'Winning the last two was pretty cool ... the players have come back in great shape, and the hunger is still there to go again,' the 31-year-old forward observed. He highlighted the positive impact of returning injured players, noting: 'We've got some players that were injured last year that have come back in great shape and actually put themselves in a position to fight for a spot.'
The leadership announcement, expected within weeks, will undoubtedly shape Brisbane's campaign as they pursue further AFL glory under what appears likely to be Andrews' sole captaincy.
