BEN Crocker will step up as captain of the Carlton Reserves for the upcoming 2023 VFL season.
His third season in the Navy Blue will see the 26-year-old skipper the side after two standout seasons at state-league level.
Claiming the Carlton Reserves VFL Best and Fairest in 2021, Crocker backed up that effort with a consistent 38 goals from 19 games last year.
29 goals in 9 games, including a seven-goal haul: Take a bow, Ben Crocker! Our inaugural Best and Fairest winner. 🥇 pic.twitter.com/Z7dKak78cB
— Carlton Reserves (@CarltonReserves) September 23, 2021
That effort helped lead the side to a maiden VFL finals appearance.
Crocker will be joined in a three-player leadership group by co-vice captains Lachlan Swaney and Zavier Maher.
All three players have been with the Carlton Reserves since its return to state-league competition in 2021.
Carlton Reserves coach Luke Power said the trio were deserving of their leadership roles.
“We are extremely proud to announce Ben, Zavier and Lachie as our 2023 VFL leaders,” Power said.
“All three players have been with us for a few years now, so have a great understanding our program and have built strong relationships with our players and staff.
“In this time they have shown a real appetite to develop themselves as leaders, so we look forward to seeing them drive this group forward.
“Ben has been instrumental in building the strong culture that exists and will now be closely supported by Zavier and Lachie in setting high standards and driving the connection between our VFL and AFL listed players.”
The Carlton Reserves will kick off the start of the 2023 VFL season, hosting Geelong at 7:05pm on Friday 24 March at IKON Park.
