The Warrnambool forward was anointed Hampden interleague skipper at training last night, just weeks after taking on the Blues captaincy in the absence of injured teammate Jason Rowan.

North Warrnambool Eagles defender Tom Batten was announced as Cowling’s deputy.

Hampden coach Chris McLaren said the key position pair were the ideal choices to lead the Bottle Greens against Murray league at Reid Oval on Saturday.

Cowling, 23, and Batten, 26, are both preparing to represent Hampden for a fourth time.

McLaren said Cowling was a popular player who had the respect of his teammates.

“He’s been doing a terrific job at Warrnambool as captain this year by all reports and they’re flying on top of the ladder,” he said.

“It’s really pleasing to have Sam as captain.

“He’s not the most vocal bloke out there but certainly the way he plays he sets a great example.”

McLaren said Batten provided strong direction on the field.

“Tom’s been terrific. He’s played interleague footy a lot of times now and he’s probably been one of the most vocal guys at training, really getting around the younger guys and supporting them and he really gets around the group and gets that buzz going,” he said.

A minor hip complaint stopped Cowling from training last night.

But the three-time Warrnambool premiership player said he was fit to play and was excited to lead the Bottle Greens for the first time.

“It was a bit unexpected with a few older boys there but it’s definitely a great honour,” he said.

“I am just happy to play for Hampden, let alone be captain.

“The social side after the game is really good. You feel a connection to the boys. 

“They’re not just your enemies playing week-to-week. You can find good camaraderie.”

Cowling said Hampden had assembled a versatile team with talent on every line, despite losing experienced trio Dan Nicholson (Port Fairy), Phil Carse (Camperdown) and Tim McIntyre (Warrnambool) to injury.

He pointed to his Blues teammates Jackson Bell and Damien McCorkell, along with Portland coach Luke Crane and Koroit onballer Isaac Templeton, as key players and highlighted Koroit’s James Gow and Camperdown’s Cam Spence as youngsters to watch.

“(Damien) hasn’t done interleague before and he’s decided to have a crack this year and he’s a jet I reckon,” Cowling said. 

“It’s guys like that who I reckon can fill the hole.”

Cowling said the chance to play alongside Terang Mortlake forward-cum-ruckman Stephen Staunton was a great opportunity for his own football development.

That pair, along with Blues 200-gamer Travis Graham, are expected to form a potent three-pronged forward line.

“It is a big honour and you learn so much playing with the best players in the league I feel, and playing alongside Stauto and guys you don’t play against usually helps you learn new running patterns,” Cowling said.

Batten said he was thrilled to be back in the Bottle Greens program.

“It is frustrating with injuries and stuff,” he said of missing selection in the past.

“You want to play the highest football you can and it seems to be every time interleague is on or leading up to it, I have something wrong.

“But it’s good this year to be fit and ready to go.”

Batten said he was humbled to be named vice-captain of a star-studded outfit.

He will use his experience as a leader at the Eagles to help him fill the role.

“I like to talk and get a good vibe happening and try to gee up the boys,” Batten said.

“It sort of lifts me as well when I am talking. I also like to lead by what I do on the field as well.”

The interleague game starts at 1.30pm on Saturday.