Beasley, Porter and Horner to Lead VFL side in 2023

The Box Hill Hawks are pleased to announce the composition of the Club’s leadership group for the 2023 VFL season.

Hugh Beasley, the Hawks’ skipper last term, will share captaincy duties with reigning Col Austen Trophy winner Cal Porter, while hard-nosed defender Stu Horner – the Club’s longest-serving active player – will fill the role of Vice-Captain.

The process to determine the Hawks’ on-field leaders comprised a vote among Box Hill’s playing group and football department staff, with each contributor asked to nominate five team-mates against the Club’s core values.

Senior Coach Zane Littlejohn confirmed the appointments of Beasley, Porter and Horner to the playing cohort and staff on Tuesday evening, paying tribute to the elected trio’s standing among the group. 

“It’s so important the playing group owns the process to select its leaders and, further, it’s encouraging this process was so clear in determining who that would be for 2023,” Littlejohn said.

“We sought to empower our squad to make this decision because they’re responsible for setting and living our values as a football club. More, they’re tasked with holding one another accountable to those values each and every day.

“That Hugh, Cal and Stu accounted for the overwhelming majority of the five, four and three votes is a wonderful endorsement of the work they do on and off field to drive standards and connect the group. 

“But, like everything in football, they won’t do it alone. The beauty of the squad we have is there are layers of established and developing leaders in behind Hugh, Cal and Stu who’ll each contribute throughout the season.

“We’re in fantastic hands ahead of what we hope will be a great 2023.”

The trio of Beasley, Porter and Horner represent three quarters of the Club’s 2022 leadership quartet, with AFL recruit Fergus Greene the only omission between last season and this. 

Second year skipper Beasley spoke to the group following the announcement.

“On behalf of Cal and Stu, thank you for your vote of confidence and trust,” Beasley said.

“It was fantastic to see so many nominees in this process, because it means each of you are recognised as leaders by your peers. 

“Formal titles aside, the leadership of the Box Hill Hawks will be determined by everyone in this room. On-field, off-field, during the week or on a gameday, we all have a role to play to ensure we’re as good as I know we can be.

“I encourage everyone to be proactive in this regard, because when I look around I’m so excited by how strong our culture is and how deep we go in the leadership space.

“Let’s align ourselves to our values, keep one another accountable and have a fantastic year.”

First-time Co-Captain Cal Porter echoed Beasley’s sentiments. 

“Thanks to everyone for giving me this opportunity, it’s incredibly humbling. I don’t take this lightly and, reflecting upon it, it’s probably the proudest moment of my career,” Porter said.

“This is my third year here and as a young leader I couldn’t have a better mentor than ‘Beasa,’ or a better group to lead. 

“I’m so committed to this footy club and so passionate about helping all the boys who I see so much of myself in.

“So thank you for this responsibility, I look forward to working with and learning from all of you throughout 2023.”

Box Hill’s 2023 pre-season continues on Friday afternoon against Williamstown. To stay up-to-date you can follow the Club’s social channels.