QUEENSCLIFF coach Steve Clark has paid tribute to long-serving skipper Jake Hedley following his decision to relinquish the club’s captaincy.
A member of the Coutas’ hat-trick of flags between 2011-2013, he has been captain since 2014.
“He’s made a courageous and unselfish call in regards to stepping down,” Clark said.
“He just felt that with his body, and what he has to do during the week, and how we might have to lighten his load, plus he’s taken on the under-17s coaching, so he felt our group needed someone who was going to be there all the time.
“No one would have questioned him going on with the regard he’s held at the club.
“But, he’s put the club first and decided it was time to step down.”
AJ Davie and Caleb Whitley have been appointed as the key defender’s replacements.
“We went back to the leadership group to see who wanted to do the job and was prepared to take on what that entailed,” Clark said.
“A couple of boys did their homework, came back, and had a chat about it.
“Co-captains is not something I’ve been keen on in the past, but if it was ever going to work, these guys are certainly will be able to do it.”
BFL: WAGENER WINS WERRIBEE SPOT
Queenscliff commences its 2021 campaign at home to 2019 preliminary finalist Geelong Amateur on Saturday.
However, they will be missing a trio of key players, with star recruit Luke Di Lizio and the Baker brothers, Ryan and Jack, all unavailable.
Di Lizio is attending a wedding, while the Bakers are still involved in a triathlon series that runs until the end of April.
However, they’ve received a late recruiting boost with the addition of Chris Turner from Eastern league club Balwyn.
“He moved down to the area, and he’s living in Point Lonsdale, and he’s just started an apprenticeship down here,” Clark said.
“We were alerted to him through Pete McVilly, who was signing him up.
“He had friends as other clubs, but we were able to present our case, and he came down to training and felt really comfortable.
“It’s a terrific late get.”
Geelong Falcons-listed Lachie Kidd has been battling an ankle injury but hasn’t been ruled out of playing at this stage.
“It’s just about going through the process with the medicos in there and letting us know whether he will be right,” Clark said.
The Coutas clash with Ammos starts a challenging opening month for Clark’s men, with Drysdale (away) and home games against reigning premier Barwon Heads and 2019 semi-finalist Anglesea during April.
Clark is bracing for a frantic start as both clubs put 18 months on the sidelines behind them.
“I think it will be,” he said.
“We’re finally playing for points, and we haven’t done that for a bit of time.”
Twitter: @tom_king79
