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“As a collective,we feel the streamlined approach of having a captain and vice-captain worked really well last year,” Demons’ head of AFL performance Alan Richardson said.

At Waverley,the Hawks leadership group will also feature existing members Liam Shiels,Jack Gunston and Tom Mitchell,along with the addition of emerging midfielder,and 2019 best and fairest,James Worpel. Mitchell,who hopes to return to his Brownlow Medal form this season,after a shoulder reconstruction,had expressed interest in the captaincy.

McEvoy,a former Saint,was used in a new role in defence last year which he said had “reinvigorated” his football but is expected to also spend time in his customary position as ruck this season.

“To be voted in by my teammates and receive the support of the club is an honour,” McEvoy said.

“This club has given me a lot over the years,and I see this as an amazing opportunity to give back and play my role in ensuring we continue to make the Hawthorn family proud.

“The entire playing group is intent on making amends for our disappointing 2020 campaign and this has been reflected in the energy and intensity on the training track.“

Isaac Smith,who opted to defect to Geelong,and Stratton are the only omissions from last year’s leadership group.

McEvoy,who linked with the Hawks after the 2013 season,knows all about success,having been a key cog of the Hawks’ 2014 and 2015 premierships. The 222-game veteran has been a part of the club’s leadership group since 2019 but faces an immense challenge to lift the side at a time when the Hawks are rebuilding.

“I am asked to drive and then everyone else needs to join in to try and improve on last year which,as I said,was a really disappointing year for us,” McEvoy said.

“The reality is we finished 15th last year - there is really only one way from there.”

The father if three takes charge after a difficult off-season when forward Jonathon Patton was stood down from all club commitments afterallegedly sending lewd images to women on social media. He has been investigated by the club’s integrity committee,with the Hawks declaring that “any behaviour of this nature would not be tolerated”.

Wingman Tom Scully has since taken personal leave to deal with marriage difficulties. There is no guarantee he will return to the club,having had form and fitness issues last season.

The Hawks,amid ongoing speculation over the stability among key management and coaching positions,are also on the hunt for a new head of football,after the highly respected Graham Wright quit in December and lateragreed to join Collingwood as the replacement for retiring Geoff Walsh.

Alastair Clarkson,the Hawks’ most successful coach,is off-contract after the 2022 season. Whether he stays,by then having completed 18 seasons,retires or seeks a new club will be an intriguing debate the new head of football and president Jeff Kennett will have.

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