LAUNCESTON Football Club has appointed Joe Boyce as co-captain with Brennan Savage for the State League season.
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The 24-year-old midfielder has impressed coach Scott Stephens with his dedicated approach during the preseason and has been elevated to the role as a reward for his hard work.
A builder with Burleigh and Dean, Boyce joined the Blues from Scottsdale in 2010 and has played about 80 TSL senior games.
It is the first time that he has been a part of the club's leadership group.
``It's a great club and to be co-captain with Sav is a great privilege I suppose,'' he said.
``I was a bit surprised to be picked for the role and didn't think I was that much of a leader around the club.''
Boyce said he preferred to let his footy do the talking and the captaincy would not change his onfield approach.
But it will mean a change in emphasis off the field as he tries to encourage and help the club's younger players.
``We've got a young group this year so we have to lead them in the right way on and off the field,'' Boyce said.
He said the team was fit and raring to go after a hard preseason.
``We've been doing a lot of ball-handling skills and we'll soon see how we step up against the Western Storm.
``A lot of people might have written us off but they do that at their own risk because we will be thereabouts.''
Boyce said starting off against the Storm would be a good indicator for the club with the opposition having half of the South Launceston premiership team from last year.
He expects to play a midfield role, resting up forward, and might pick up a high-calibre opponent such as a Jay Blackberry or Matt Hanson in today's game.
``I will look forward to the challenge and just try to play my role for the team,'' Boyce said.
``You have to challenge yourself to get the best out of yourself _ I'm excited for the year ahead.''