By Tara Murray
Calder Cannons co-captains Hamish Bird and Jackson Barber said they’re both privileged to lead the side in the Coates Talent League boys competition this year.
The pair were named co-captains with Hussein El Achkar named vice-captain of the squad.
Bird, who played the most games as a bottom-age player for the Cannons last season, said it feels great to receive that honour.
“It’s such a privilege, I can not wait,” he said. “I found out last night [Tuesday night] and it was really good and the family was there once it was announced.
“My teammates and some of the coaches voted me in and it’s a privilege that they voted me in.”
Barber, who played six games last season, said he had been hoping to get into the leadership group.
“Last year I looked up to Damon [Hallow] and to be in the same position is unreal, it’s such a privilege,” he said.
“He was a good leader and I thought we had a pretty good year. I wanted to get into the leadership group, but being captain is unreal.”
For the pair it continues a connection that started at their home club of Aberfeldie.
Both said they were great mates and had a good bond already.
Barber said they were both pretty vocal and would make sure they would get around their younger teammates.
Bird said they would all work towards team success.
Bird has been at the Cannons since under-16s and said he felt that he’d made inroads each season.
“The coaches have put in a lot of work with me and each year I’ve gotten better,” he said. “Credit goes to them for what they have put into me.
“The second half of the season I was a lot more confident with playing at this level.”
Both boys are keen to start the season well and be in the mix for Vic Metro selection.
Bird played in Vic Metro in under-16s before missing out last season.
“I’ll put my best foot forward and start strong and give myself the best opportunity to get selected for Vic Metro,” he said.
Barber shared a similar view and has set himself a target for the Cannons season.
“The first three games are the most important individually and as a team,” he said. “It’ll be nice to get a good start myself and hopefully start the year well.
“I will hopefully take the number tall forward this year as a key lock down defender. I can also be an intercept defender.”
The Cannons will have practice matches against the Northern Knights and Western Jets in the coming weeks.
