Brad Tucker will lead Williamstown CYMS into the next era on field in the Victorian Amateur Football Association premier B competition.
Tucker has been named the CYs captain, replacing Robbie Chan after a number of years in the role.
He had been co-vice captain.
“It’s exciting and it’s good to be recognised in that sort of way,” Tucker said. “I didn’t have any idea I would be captain.
“I had been co-vice captain and Robbie was the captain and the decision was made to let Robbie focus on his footy and he’s got a young family.
“It was the right time to make the switch.
“I’m happy to lead the boys and want to continue Robbie’s legacy and push a lot further into premier B.”
Tucker has played all at the CYs since under-16s and is now in his 11th year at the club.
He’s been through a lot since then.
“I’ve gone from being one of the young guys in the team to one of the older guys,” he said.
“They seem to have finished their careers and we’ve come through. I get to be a leader in a different way, rather than just on the field.”
Chan will remain at the club in a playing capacity and Tucker is already picking his brain.
Tucker said Chan has already and will continue to provide him plenty of support.
Coach Con Terzoglou said Tucker brings a calm and nurturing approach to his leadership which is a great fit for the group.
“Honest, genuine and always one to sacrifice his own role for the greater good, Brad will excel as a leader for our younger group,” he said.
Tucker said the pre-season had been one of the best in a few years as they look to rise up the ladder.
The CYs finished in seventh last season with five wins after a strong back half of the season.
Tucker said they need to get off to a better start.
“We had a pretty good second half of the season,” he said. “We started off slow the last couple of years and come home strong.
“This year we want to have that backend at the start of the season and hopefully push for finals.”
The CYs are yet to play in finals since coming up in premier B, and Tucker who was part of the club’s premier C premiership in 2019, said that was the focus.
“It’s much better when you’re winning games of footy and challenging for finals,” he said. “It’s where you want to be.”
The CYs will kick off their season on April 5 against Hampton Rovers.
Tara Murray
