MARK Neeld says it was impossible to split Jack Grimes and Jack Trengove’s leadership abilities - hence why they are now Melbourne co-captains.
The new Melbourne coach conceded he was not in favour of a co-captaincy model when he started in the role. But upon observing and working with the two Jacks, it became clear to him that they couldn’t be separated.
“When I first started four months ago, I was absolutely certain I wanted just one captain,” Neeld said.
“So after four months, I’ve arrived that we need two. I couldn’t split them, their teammates couldn’t split them.
“These guys are outstanding young men. Our aim and challenge is to develop them into outstanding captains over time.”
Neeld said it was “new, fresh and exciting” to have Grimes and Trengove head up an eight-man leadership group, which includes Clint Bartram, Mitch Clark, James Frawley, Colin Garland, Mark Jamar and Nathan Jones.
“We are the oldest football club in the competition and we’ve just announced that we now have one of our captains (Trengove) as the youngest captain in the history of the game - and it’s pretty exciting,” he said.
“After everyone’s input, there was a clear eight that were above, so that decision was made for me.”
For the record, Neeld had the final say in the leadership group, after consultation with the players, other coaches and key staff.
Meanwhile, Neeld said he was not in the slightest bit concerned about Grimes’ body, considering the talented youngster has played just 32 matches in four seasons, with a season-best 14 in 2010.
“No, not at all,” he said.
“One of other things that stood out for me over pre-season was Jack Grimes coming back from a serious injury.
“The impact he was able to have on the coaching group and peers - to be voted at the top, with Jack Trengove [after] spending a fair bit of time in the rehab group - reinforces his leadership potential.”
Grimes added that he had come back strongly from a navicular stress fracture, which ruined his 2011 season.
“[The body] is really good. Everything has gone to plan, coming back from a foot injury last year, which was pretty serious,” Grimes said.
“I’ve got in the exact amount of pre-season, which we planned to get in, so I’m ready to go for the start of games, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
The new Melbourne coach conceded he was not in favour of a co-captaincy model when he started in the role. But upon observing and working with the two Jacks, it became clear to him that they couldn’t be separated.
“When I first started four months ago, I was absolutely certain I wanted just one captain,” Neeld said.
“So after four months, I’ve arrived that we need two. I couldn’t split them, their teammates couldn’t split them.
“These guys are outstanding young men. Our aim and challenge is to develop them into outstanding captains over time.”
Neeld said it was “new, fresh and exciting” to have Grimes and Trengove head up an eight-man leadership group, which includes Clint Bartram, Mitch Clark, James Frawley, Colin Garland, Mark Jamar and Nathan Jones.
“We are the oldest football club in the competition and we’ve just announced that we now have one of our captains (Trengove) as the youngest captain in the history of the game - and it’s pretty exciting,” he said.
“After everyone’s input, there was a clear eight that were above, so that decision was made for me.”
For the record, Neeld had the final say in the leadership group, after consultation with the players, other coaches and key staff.
Meanwhile, Neeld said he was not in the slightest bit concerned about Grimes’ body, considering the talented youngster has played just 32 matches in four seasons, with a season-best 14 in 2010.
“No, not at all,” he said.
“One of other things that stood out for me over pre-season was Jack Grimes coming back from a serious injury.
“The impact he was able to have on the coaching group and peers - to be voted at the top, with Jack Trengove [after] spending a fair bit of time in the rehab group - reinforces his leadership potential.”
Grimes added that he had come back strongly from a navicular stress fracture, which ruined his 2011 season.
“[The body] is really good. Everything has gone to plan, coming back from a foot injury last year, which was pretty serious,” Grimes said.
“I’ve got in the exact amount of pre-season, which we planned to get in, so I’m ready to go for the start of games, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
