Horsley gets nod to lead Lions
Subiaco have appointed Kyal Horsley as the club's new captain despite the former Gold Coast midfielder still recovering from a knee reconstruction.
The 26-year-old, who replaces the retired Aidan Parker in the leadership role, was given the nod even though he remains a doubtful starter for round one.
The faith shown in the 2011 Sandover Medal runner-up is an indication of his standing at a club where he has played 91 league games.
Horsley returned to the Lions at the end of last year after being de-listed by Gold Coast following 14 matches in two years.
He ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee while playing for the Suns reserves side in July.
Four-times premiership player Darren Rumble will be the club's vice-captain.
The 29-year-old is likely to lead them in the round-one clash against South Fremantle at Medibank Stadium next Saturday.
Lions coach Jarrad Schofield said choosing the right captain had been tough, but Horsley's appointment had been widely backed by players and coaches.
"It's not really so much about looking to the future, it's looking at now and what our group needs," he said.
"With Kyal's experience coming from Gold Coast and being in the leadership group up there, he's also previously been a co-captain at this footy club. He's learnt a lot while he's been away."
Horsley has been in full training for three weeks.
Schofield said he could recapture the form that originally got him rookie listed by Gold Coast.
"While he's still recovering from his knee reconstruction, we're hoping that he might be right for round one," Schofield said.
"But I'm making sure he understands there's no rush on him to be back just because he (is) captain."
