Kane Johnson gives up Richmond captaincy - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Kane Johnson gives up Richmond captaincy

12/11/2008 08:35:49 PM Comments (0)

Richmond's Kane Johnson became the latest AFL captain to step aside because he felt the time was perfect for the next generation to take over.

But he admits the thought of "Richo-mania" leading the Tigers has its appeal.

Much-loved Richmond star Matthew Richardson added to his legend with an outstanding season that took him to All-Australian selection and equal-third in the Brownlow Medal.

The 33-year-old would only be Tigers skipper for one season, two at most, and is an unlikely choice.

"You'd better ask him if he wants it - I don't know, we're going to have to wait and see," Johnson said with a grin.

"The supporters would like it, wouldn't they?"

The Tigers are more likely to go for a much younger captain - Chris Newman, Nathan Foley and Brett Deledio are among the obvious candidates.

Johnson first spoke to coach Terry Wallace immediately after the season about stepping down and then mulled over it during a holiday.

"It's the right time to change over to the new generation of Tiger leader," Johnson said.

"We've got enough boys coming through that have shown enough in the last couple of years to take over the club.

"It's just perfect timing for them to be able to take over while we've still got senior experience at the club, to be able to help them through."

Johnson, 30, captained Richmond for four seasons and won a club best-and-fairest during his tenure.

He said the toughest period in his captaincy was last season, when the Tigers slumped to the wooden spoon.

It was not this March, when Johnson suspended himself for one match after being caught urinating in a public place.

"That was definitely a tough time ... I had to make a decision on where everything was at," he said.

"I always said that if I felt like I had lost the support of (my team mates) or anyone at the club, then I definitely wouldn't continue on as captain.

"But that wasn't the case and the support I got ... just made that process a whole lot easier."

Port Adelaide's Warren Tredrea and North Melbourne's Adam Simpson have also resigned from the captaincy since the end of the season.

Brisbane have gone from joint captaincy to making Jonathan Brown their sole on-field leader.

Kangaroo Brett Harvey is favourite to take over from Simpson and he said he would love the role.

Harvey captained Australia in last month's International Rules series.

"I'm not saying I'm going to get it because there are some people there that could quite easily do it," Harvey told the AFL website.

"But if I got chosen to do it, I would certainly put my hand up and do the best job I could."

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