Tom Goodwin has been announced as Lions captain for 2017, after this year’s season officially kicked off at the Coburg FC Season Launch on Saturday night at Ultima Function Centre.
Head Senior Coach Peter German called last year’s Jim Sullivan Best & Fairest Winner up to the stage as first-time captain, with highly-respected Peter McEvoy named as Vice-Captain.
“Our captain for 2017 is a guy who has had an outstanding preseason, and leads from the front in every way, shape and form,” German said of Goodwin during his speech.
Goodwin, who also represented the club at the AFL Victoria Season Launch on Wednesday, couldn’t wait to get out on the field come Saturday to lead the boys into Round One.
“I’m more humbled than anything to be held in the esteem of Nick Carnell and all leaders Coburg has had over the history of this club,” said Goodwin.
“I just can’t wait and I’m really excited; it’s my third year here now and this is the most excited I’ve been,” he continued.
Josh Iacobaccio and Mark Orr will also step into Coburg leadership for their first times as Deputy Vice-Captains, followed by Nick Mellington, Patrick Lawlor, Keenan Posar and Nathan Blair who make up the remainder of the leadership group.
“I want to thank all the boys up here; I’ve got a great group of blokes I can bounce any ideas off this year,” said Goodwin of his fellow teammates.
Goodwin went on to thank everyone for their attendance, and expressed his excitement of this year’s list.
“With a 60% turnover (this year in recruitment), the professionalism that everyone’s got, and all the hard work from the past five months; I’ve never been as excited as I am right now.”
German also looks forward to the 2017 getting underway, with a round one clash against Collingwood at home at Piranha Park.
“I think we’re really going to grow as the season progresses,” said German.
“We’ve got some outstanding leaders at our football club.”
With current and former players, staff and committee members, sponsors, family, friends and partners, and members and supporters all in attendance, the night also saw players presented with their 2017 guernsey numbers.
Stuart Donnelly also made a late appearance, coming straight from the hospital with High Performance Manager Derek McConn, after suffering a leg injury during the day’s match.
With Round One just around the corner, ensure you don’t miss any of the action by signing up as a 2017 Coburg FC Member at www.coburgfc.com.au/membership.
Be at Piranha Park this Saturday at 2:40pm to see the Lions take on Collingwood.
The match will also be televised on Channel 7, so check your local broadcasting schedules for further details.
Hear the Lions Roar!