Senior Coach James Byrne has announced that senior captain Marcus Stavrou, the 2021 Woodrow Medallist, will be joined in the leadership group by Michael Batten and Cauley Beetham.

Stavrou enters his second season as captain after leading the Xavs to a minor premiership in the 2021 COVID-shortened season. He has played 28 games after a stint with Northern Blues after graduating from XC.

Michael Batten has played 59 games and kicked 53 goals for the Old Xavs since debuting in 2017.  After graduating from U19 ranks, he had a short stay at Sandringham.

Cauley "Duck" Beetham, the runner up in the 2019 Woodrow Medal, has played 167 games in the Red and Black since arriving in the U19s in 2011.

President Matt Cosgrave endorsed the selection of the trio.

"Marcus Stavrou was a brilliant leader last year and we know he will continue to be a shining example for his teammates. We're delighted that two very dedicated and talented midfielders, Michael Batten and Cauley Beetham, will share the leadership duties. This is a team with many leaders, both on and off the field, and it speaks volumes for this pair that they have been recognised and chosen. We wish the triumvirate every success," Cosgrave said.