It came as little surprise Dyson Heppell was announced in the Club’s leadership group for 2016.

What may have surprised some was his appointment as Vice-Captain.

Despite being the youngest member of the seven man group, Jobe Watson says he couldn’t have asked for a better deputy in Heppell.

“Ever since ‘Hepp’ walked into the building he displayed great leadership qualities and I think from an early age his teammates recognised that,” Watson said.

“He’s just continues to develop year in, year out.”

When Watson was ruled out with a season ending injury this year, Heppell was handed the honour of captaining the team.

Despite the team’s on field troubles, ‘Hepp’ led with distinction and quickly earned the praise of his teammates and coaches.

“He took on extra responsibility when I was out injured. I thought he did an incredible job for such a young guy,” Watson said.

“He will continue to blossom in his leadership and it’s fantastic to have such great support from someone like him as a vice-captain, it makes the job much easier.”

Watson also revealed time on the sideline allowed provided him with a chance to reflect on whether he felt he was fit to assume the Captaincy, should he be handed the opportunity.

“I spent some time away, by myself actually, and thought about what I wanted out of it," he said.

“I knew what the requirements would be as Captain of the Club. I had a really hard think about it and I thought I still had the passion to lead the side.”

It didn’t take long for Watson to realise the fire was still very much alight.

He returned to pre-season training with a hunger and desire to prove to his teammates he was refreshed and ready for the challenge.

“I knew through the break I still had the passion to play, I had the passion to lead," he said.

"It goes quickly, but I’m really excited about captaining the side again in 2016.

“When the team ratified that with the voting it gives you get that sense of confidence.

“You want to know what your teammates think and once that lined up I was happy to take on the role and accept it."