Newly appointed captain Josh Kennedy will take confidence into his first season in charge of the club knowing he has former co-captains Kieren Jack and Jarrad McVeigh by his side.

Kennedy was officially announced as captain on Friday morning, the first individual captain named since Stuart Maxfield in 2005.

The 28-year-old has been a member of the leadership group since the start of the 2013 season and now finds himself in charge for the 2017 season.

“I take a lot of confidence knowing that I have such a strong leadership group there to support me,” Kennedy said.

“The amount of support I have received from Kieren and Jarrad in the last few days has been immense and I take a lot of confidence in knowing that they will be there by my side.”

Kennedy has already received from sound advice from the pair on how to approach his first season in charge.

“They have spoken to me about not changing to much as the reason I am in this position are the things that I have been able to do on and off the field,” he said.

“It is important I am always adapting to the team to try and be that link between Horse and the playing group.”

“I really look forward to that challenge and feel like I am ready to take that on.”

The three-time Bob Skilton Medallist is well aware it will not be an easy task during his first season leading the side.

“The role will be ever evolving, I will be ever evolving,” he said.

“There are certainly parts of my game and in particular my leadership that I can improve and I will be looking to improve on those areas.”

“I will be trying to maintain a high standard of performance for myself and my teammates across the board to make sure we are all on the same page.”

Kennedy will be supported throughout the 2017 season by three vice captains – Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery and Dane Rampe.

The leadership group is rounded out by Heath Grundy, Nick Smith, McVeigh and Jack.