Boak to lead Power

Travis Boak, here tackling Luke Ball, is the new captain. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

TRAVIS Boak's loyalty to Port Adelaide has led to the star midfielder winning the club's captaincy ahead of the 2013 season.

The Power today revealed Boak, who was heavily targeted by Geelong last year, would replace Dominic Cassisi in the top job.

The 24-year-old will lead Port into a new era under untried coach Ken Hinkley, while impressive West Coast recruit Brad Ebert will serve as vice-captain.

The switch means Boak will adopt the No. 1 guernsey, while Cassisi - who spent four years in the job - will revert to No. 25 under Port Adelaide tradition.

"To take over from Dom who has done such a fantastic job for the club and our group of players is a real privilege for both Brad and me," Boak said today.

Boak, who has played 108 games for the Power after being snaffled with pick No. 5in the 2006 draft, endured one of the most publicised and drawn-out contract negotations last year.

But he eventually turned his back on the Cats and North Melbourne, signing a bumper two-year deal in September.

Hinkley said the 2011 club champion was a natural leader and obvious appointment.

"Travis's actions in the three months that I've been at Port Adelaide have only told me that he is absolutely capable of doing this job," he said.

"He has been vice-captain, so his leadership skills have been recognised already and all we've done now is put them right on show and say 'here's your chance to actually lead'."

Boak's appointment signals a rebuilding overdrive at Alberton, with Power officials elated at the potential shown by their first-year crop of players.

Prized draftee Ollie Wines is set to make an immediate impact, with the inside midfielder monstering his first pre-season, while mature-age rookie Kane Mitchell has also sizzled.

Sam Colquhoun, the youngest player on an AFL list, is also ready for a fast-tracked debut after impressing at senior level in the SANFL last year.
 

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