PORT Fairy is weighing up its captaincy options as it braces for life without skipper Xavier McCartney.
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The Seagulls announced in a statement that McCartney, their captain of the past two years, was leaving Gardens Oval.
The Winis Imbi-led Seagulls will vote on their new captain and deputy prior to round one.
It's tipped McCartney will join Warrnambool and District league club Old Collegians but The Standard understands he has not yet signed.
Xavier's decision to leave is something I respect, but I am equally disappointed in - not for myself, but for him.
- Winis Imbi
Imbi said he was disappointed to lose McCartney but respected his decision.
"Xavier's decision to leave is something I respect, but I am equally disappointed in - not for myself, but for him," he said.
"He had the opportunity to lead this club, to create something special, but for various reasons he has decided to move on.
"I'm not in the business of trying to coerce people to stay - their hearts and minds must willing to create a vision - to commit wholeheartedly to a common cause."
Imbi said his club wouldn't rush to appoint a successor.
"Xavier's decision has been really drawn out, but now comes a wonderful opportunity for the playing group to vote on a person and people who will embody our values both on and off the field," he said.
"There is no doubt Xavier's decision to leave will hurt us in the short term. After all he's a highly skilled player.
"However, we are looking to the long term gains."
Despite McCartney's departure, Imbi was confident the Seagulls were building a strong culture.
Imbi replaced Dan Nicholson at the helm. Nicholson has re-committed in a playing capacity.
"The club realises it has a lot of work to do in setting solid foundations within all levels of the club and building a culture which nurtures character and talent," he said.
"We will have new people that will lead our club in 2020 and into the future driving values that put team-interests first."
McCartney said work commitments meant Hampden league football was a tough proposition.
"I've moved to Warrnambool and start work at 4am each morning and don't have the time needed to commit to Hampden footy," he said.
McCartney said he was hopeful of joining Old Collegians.
"I played there in 2010 and 2011 and played in a losing grand final side for them in 2011 so it's like going back home," he said.
"I was always going to go back but I've made the decision two years before I thought I would."
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