James Quilty & Jarrod Witnish have been named Senior Co-Captains for the 2013 season.
Senior Captaincy is not something new to Quilty who will be taking on his 6th straight term in the role. James took the reigns heading into the 2008 season under previous coach Paul Nigro and has not looked back ever since.
Quilty came to the club at the age of 17 to play Under 18's with friend Kane Shore. "Originally from Seville Football Club in the YMDFL it was hard to leave because my family had been involved at the club in previous years." Although many of James' friends played their football at Lilydale FC club stalwarts Garry Dunkinson and Russell Witherow convinced James to stay on at Mitcham.
Although Quilty has been a captain for several years the honor that comes with the role has not worn thin.
"Being named a captain is the biggest honor I have had playing football, more so because its a club with such a rich history. 125 years means a lot of good leaders, players and people have walked through the gates at Walker Park. It's a privilege to represent them not only as a player but as a captain. My wife (Brooke Witherow) and her family belong to our club. Its the place where we met so I feel further linked to the club, marrying into a family who like the Witnish family have such strong connections to the club"
Quilty is excited that the season is nearly upon us. After a long and hard pre season he is ready to take the field for the season proper.
" 2013 is gearing up and its hard not to be excited. We always get a lift from new players coming in but I'm definately more excited about our existing players showing their improvement. Like anyone attached to Mitcham FC, we all hope for the ultimate success. In 2008 when I was named captain I hoped for improvement and a shift in culture. If we continue along that journey then success is inevitable. Just when we have that success is up to us.'
Jarrod Witnish came to the club in 2006 as a top age Under 18's player. Having played all his junior football at Park Orchards who were only ever a junior club at the time, Jarrod needed a new home and decided on Mitcham.
" The reason I came to Mitcham was because I had a lot of family history at the club. My Dad (Shane Witnish) and my uncles (Ray, Peter and Darren Witnish) all played at Mitcham and my grandma (Margaret Witnish) is also a life member. Being a Richmond fan made it easier as well becuase I like the uniform."
Witnish went on to say he is honoured to take on one of the highest priviledges at the club for the first time.
" Being named a co captain in 2013 is a massive privilege to me. Being selected by those around the club to help lead the team is a massive honor and is something I am very proud of. I have a huge amount of passion for the Mitcham Football Club and in my new role I will give 100% to help lead my team mates and the club to success in 2013 and beyond.
Asked about the teams prospects for the upcoming season Witnish said " Obviously everyone in footy hopes for the ultimate success each and every year. This year I truly believe we have the talent to achieve anything we set out to achieve. My hope is for the team to play a good and consistent brand of football week in week out and hopefully the other results will look after themselves."
James and Jarrod will be joined by Jarrod Andreatta and Julian Petracca who were both named Vice Captains for the 2013 season. Andrew Buckenara, David Searl, Jackson Glossop and Braeden Cross make up the rest of the 2013 leadership group.
The club wishes our 2013 leaders all the best in what is shaping up as a big season for the Tigers. The Mitcham Football Club could not be in better hands when you consider the talent, committment and leadership these boys will bring to the table every week.
Last Modified on 05/03/2013 18:39