Ben Stratton announced as Hawthorn Hawks captain

Tom Naghten

Ben Stratton announced as Hawthorn Hawks captain image

Hawthorn have announced defender Ben Stratton as their captain for 2019, taking over from Jarryd Roughead who stood down at the end of last season.

The Hawks confirmed the news on Thursday, meaning all 18 clubs have settled on their leaders for 2019.

Stratton emerged on top after a vote among the players and coaching staff, beating out other contenders such as Jack Gunston, Liam Shiels and Isaac Smith.

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The veteran defender with be helped out by Gunston as vice-captain, with a leadership group of Shiels, Smith and newly-apointed leaders Ben McEvoy and Jaeger O'Meara.

Speaking the hawthornfc.com.au, Stratton, who turns 30 on Friday, said he happy to have been given the nod by his peers.

"It’s an honour and a privilege to captain the Hawthorn Football Club," said Stratton.

"Titles are not something that I’ve focused on in my career, but it’s a special feeling to know you’ve been backed in by your teammates and the club.

"We’ve been blessed with so many great leaders over my time at the Hawks and I’ve been able to learn so much from each of them.

"I’m lucky to have a really experienced leadership group around me and I’m excited to get stuck into season 2019 and see what we can achieve."

Stratton has played 169 senior games since being taken with pick 46 in the 2009 draft.

The East Perth-product was a member of the club's historic three-peat from 2013-15.

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.