Hawthorn names Jarryd Roughead captain in 2017

Hawthorn has named Jarryd Roughead captain in 2017.

It is a move that was foreshadowed by Mitch Cleary on 3AW’s Sportsday program on Tuesday.

The popular forward recently got the all-clear to resume his AFL career after a battle with skin cancer.

Roughead missed the entire 2016 season, but now looks set to add to his 231 games and 491 goals in the coming year.

‘It’s an enormous responsibility, but I’m ready for the challenge,’ he said.

Roughead will take the reins from three-time premiership skipper Luke Hodge, who has led the side since 2010.

Hodge emphatically endorsed Roughead for the role. 

‘I’ve had the opportunity to see him grow and develop as a leader and there is no better person to lead our club in 2017,’ Hodge said.

In addition to their new captain, the Hawks will also have a three new faces in their leadership group, with Liam Shiels, Ben Stratton, and Jack Gunston all voted in.

Isaac Smith and Josh Gibson are also in the leadership group.