Hawthorn Football Club is excited to unveil its new leadership group, with Captain Ben Stratton continuing at the helm into the 2020 season.

Stratton heads a seven-man leadership group, with Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell the sole new addition to the line-up.

Mitchell steps straight into a co-vice captaincy role alongside Jaeger O’Meara, who continues in the leadership group for his second consecutive season.

The decision to elevate the pair comes after Jack Gunston chose to relinquish his title as vice captain after 12 months in the role.

Watch: Gunston explains decision

Experienced leaders Liam Shiels, Isaac Smith, Ben McEvoy and Gunston round out the seven-man group.

GM-Football Graham Wright says the club is excited by the calibre of leaders within its ranks.

“We’re proud of the way our leaders banded together and worked as a strong, cohesive unit in 2019, particularly in the back half of the year,” Wright said.

“While there are a couple of changes to this year’s line-up, we’re confident they’ll be able to maintain that stability and momentum heading into the 2020 season.

“With Jack stepping down as vice captain, it opens up an opportunity for Tom and Jaeger to further demonstrate why they’re so well regarded by their peers.

“They both possess professionalism and work ethic of the highest calibre.

“Alongside Stratts, we know they’ll continue to drive the standards of our football club both on and off the field."

Stratton says he’s looking forward to embracing the challenges that season 2020 will bring.

“It’s been a big 12 months of development, both for us as leaders and for the wider playing group,” Stratton said.

“I’m confident the experience and lessons learned will only strengthen my leadership going forward, and I’m excited to see what 2020 brings.”

In some more exciting news for the club, United Petroleum has signed on with Hawthorn in a new three-year deal which will see one of Australia’s fastest growing brands feature on all match-day balls for the club’s home games.

As part of the partnership, Hawthorn members will have access to a United Petroleum discount card, offering 4 cents per litre off their fuel purchases at United petrol stations.

Hawthorn CEO Justin Reeves said the club is thrilled to build on its relationship with United Petroleum.

“The partnership between the Hawks and United Petroleum opens exciting opportunities for both brands,” said Reeves.

“As part of the partnership United Petroleum will have the opportunity to activate and engage with fans at Hawthorn home games in both Melbourne and Launceston.”

“We look forward to building an ongoing relationship with United Petroleum.”

Gary Brinkworth CEO United Petroleum stated, “we are very excited to be expanding our relationship with Hawthorn as their Official Ball Partner in 2020 as well as continuing to offer all Hawthorn members a discounted fuel offer across our network of over 350 United Petroleum stores around Australia.”

United is an independent, Australian-owned petrol and convenience company offering customers premium quality fuels and competitive pricing Australia-wide.

United is one of the fastest growing independent companies in Australia with a strong presence in the east of Victoria as well as Tasmania, aligning strongly with Hawthorn’s heartland.