Midfielder Kyle Matthews became one of the Scorpions youngest ever leaders when he was named Captain for season 2008 at the club’s jumper presentation function held last night.

21st March - Mick Sharkie.

Matthews, already an accomplished and respected VFL player after just two seasons playing at state level, was honoured to be selected to lead the Scorpions this season, although he admitted he didn’t expect to have the position bestowed upon him.

“I was actually very surprised, I didn’t think I’d get it but I’m really rapt to be given the chance to lead the team.” Matthews said.

Senior coach Greg Hutchison named four vice captains, Stefan Garrubba, Ben Fraser, James Wall, and Steve O’Bryan, to support Matthews throughout season 2008.

Already a two-time VFL team of the year representative, Matthews has worked hard in the pre-season to ensure he can take his game to another level this year.

“I’ve been in the gym a fair bit with Luke Carratelli who is getting over stomach surgery, we’ve been pushing each other pretty hard,” Matthews said.

“I thought it was about time I put some weight on, and I’ve put on about eight kilos during the pre-season.”

Matthews is well aware of the gap left in the Scorpions list after the departure of club stalwarts Steve Harrison and Nigel Carmody at the end of season 2007. However the young midfielder holds high hopes for the latest batch of Scorpions who have taken their place.

“Obviously losing some of the older blokes hurt, but I think we’ve replaced them with some really talented players, we’re young but we have depth and I’m sure we can figure in the finals this year.” Matthews said.

Matthews was chosen from a group of ten players who were selected by the wider playing group. The captain and four vice captains were then chosen by the players and the board.

Coach Greg Hutchison said that the leadership group had the duty and responsibility of representing the Casey Scorpions both on and off the field.

“Leadership in football is not necessarily about what you do on the field, but how you behave off it. All of our players need to understand that they are representing the Casey Scorpions, and that they need to uphold the team “trademark” that we have developed over the pre-season.” Hutchison said.Hutchison went on to congratulate the wider playing list of 2008, and pointed out the significance of their achievement.

“It’s a great honour to make a VFL footy list at any club, but to make the list of a club with such an illustrious and successful history like Casey really is a special achievement.”Matthews will lead the Scorpions for the first time this weekend during the club’s last practice match against Williamstown at Casey Fields on Easter Saturday.