Aaron Naughton and Ed Richards will be co-vice captains of the Western Bulldogs in a revamped leadership group for 2026.
Both players have demonstrated their leadership capabilities as members of the group in recent seasons, with Rhylee West and Matt Kennedy also added for the upcoming campaign.
Tom Liberatore has stepped down as vice-captain after two seasons in the role, with the 33-year-old remaining in the leadership group alongside Bailey Dale and Cody Weightman.
Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli will captain the Club for a sixth-consecutive season.
Senior Coach Luke Beveridge lauded the contribution of Liberatore and congratulated the incoming leadership members.
"We are really grateful for Tom’s willingness to take up the challenges attached to the Vice Captain’s responsibilities over the last two seasons," Beveridge said.
"Through the early stages of the 2025 season it was critical that Tom stepped up on-and-off the field during the period Marcus was unavailable, providing a maturity and the stability we needed to ensure our players flourished during an uncertain time.
"As we seek to get the most out of ourselves, Rhylee has progressed to a heightened status within our Club due to his on-field performances and his willingness to support his teammates and our staff.
"In a show of appreciation and in recognition of Rhylee’s willingness to take on extra responsibility, he has been voted into the Player Leaders Group by his teammates.
"Rhylee’s continued growth and commitment to his profession is critical to our prospects as we move into the future.
"Matt has made a significant impression on our people and our Club on-and-off the field since arriving from Carlton at the end of 2024.
"Matt’s great character and care for his teammates has ensured that he is an extremely popular member of our playing group.
"His contributions on the field, through his commitment to the difficult parts of the game have endeared him to everyone involved with our Club."
The entire leadership group was appointed via a player vote, with consultation from the football department.2026 AFL Leaders
Captain: Marcus Bontempelli
Vice-captain: Aaron Naughton & Ed Richards
Leadership group: Bailey Dale, Cody Weightman, Rhylee West, Matt Kennedy, Tom Liberatore
