WARRNAMBOOL premiership player Liam Hoy has received a glowing endorsement of his leadership capabilities entering his debut TAC Cup season.
Hoy, 17, was one of only three bottom-age players named in the Rebels’ 10-player leadership group on Thursday night.
Walpeup-Underbool’s Dallas Willsmore and Beaufort’s Matt Crouch will co-captain the Rebels this season.
“It was very humbling, actually,” Hoy said of his selection.
“The players voted before our practice game against the Falcons and after that the coaches had a vote on who they thought should be in the leadership group and we found out last night.”
“I like to lead by example on the field. I’m not so much a vocal leader.
“I obviously look up to blokes like Dallas and ‘Crouchy’, our captains, and see how they go about their leadership roles.”
Hoy said promotion to the leadership group gave him confidence he could perform at TAC Cup level.
But the tough midfielder said it was important to maintain high training and playing standards.
“If you are not performing, you are not going to play,” he said. “It’s a lot higher level than what I am used to and there are high expectations.
“Just because you have that (leadership group) next to your name doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed a game.”
Hoy said the intensity at Rebels’ training had been the biggest eye-opener in his first TAC Cup pre-season.
“It is 100 per cent for the 1½ hours you are there,” he said.
“You have to concentrate. You are usually tired after a running drill and it’s straight into a kicking drill.”
Hoy will play for Warrnambool in its practice match against Lara at Reid Oval today.
The Rebels start their season next weekend against Bendigo Pioneers.
justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au
