Salecic confident co-captains have what it takes

Seasoned campaigners Luke Tedesco and Jay van Berlo were this week announced as co-captains to replace the 213-game stalwart.

With Van Berlo’s AFL experience and Tedesco’s long-time commitment to the club, Salecic had no doubts they were the men for the job.

‘They’re going to be well complemented to each other,’ he said. ‘During the pre-season, they took a huge step in terms of leadership when I was in and out of training.

‘They took a lot of the load off me and it really showed in the way we played throughout the year. They’re both great leaders.’

The seven-time State player backed the co-captaincy approach. saying the more leaders a club had the better.

‘I think it’s a great thing, you see it more often these days ” if one’s not there then the other takes over,’ he said.

Salecic had thought hard about continuing on for another season, but with a career opportunity beckoning and new son Max on board, needed to put more energy into life outside of football.

‘It’s sad (to retire), but it’s just a way of life,’ he said.

“Spending time with family is huge for me. Max was born at the beginning of the year and I haven’t seen him as much as most new fathers would. Getting up at 6am for work then getting home at 9pm (after football commitments) ” I’d just never see him.’