The Box Hill Hawks are pleased to announce Hugh Beasley will captain the club in 2022.

A one-time Brisbane Lion and former Richmond VFL premiership player, 2022 marks Beasley’s second campaign in the brown and gold.

The key back made quite the impact in his first season at City Oval, overcoming an interrupted pre-season to win a spot in the club’s leadership group, place fifth in the Col Austen Trophy count and finish the season as one of the competition’s premier defenders.

Beasley’s appointment was announced to the playing group on Thursday, with the 26-year-old given the nod following an internal process that compromised a nomination period, shortlist and, finally, a peer vote.

“It’s a massive honour and a privilege,” Beasley said.

“It hasn’t quite sunk in yet, but I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to sinking my teeth into the year ahead.”

When asked if the captaincy was something he aspired to, Box Hill’s 40^th senior skipper reflected on his own journey to the role, as well as the influence of those who paved the way.

“I’ve been a part of leadership groups in my time, I’ve been vice-captain a few times, so I’m excited for this next step," he said.

“I’m also incredibly fortunate to have the likes of Kristan Height and David Banfield, two former Box Hill captains, still heavily involved in the Club and at my disposal should I need them.

“That they’re still around helping the next generation of player both on and off-field is testament to their character and the kind of environment Box Hill is – something that they helped build.

“It’s a place that people want to be involved in and stay involved in, so again, it’s an honour to take up this role and continue the good work of those who have come before me.”

Speaking of the man he succeeds in the role, Beasley acknowledged the outstanding character and leadership of Damian Mascitti.

“’Damo’ is an unbelievable leader and leaves big shoes to fill," Beasley said. 

“He’s so chill and what I learned from him was being able to step back and see the big picture.

“He paved the way last year in terms of keeping us connected in a Covid-riddled year.

“We have such a great relationship. We’re two older heads who play down back, though he probably moves around better than I do, he runs around me a fair bit and give the handball when he asks!

“I’ll rely on him heavily in 2022.”

Outgoing skipper Mascitti, whose role as playing-coach precluded him from continuing in the post for a third year, paid tribute to Beasley as he passed the baton.

“It’s a privilege to hand the role over to ‘Beaser,’ who is going to be a great person for the job. I look forward to supporting him,” Mascitti said.

“I think about handing the role to Hugh, having received it myself from Andrew Moore, who took over from David Mirra… and it’s humbling to be a link in that chain.”

The pair had crossed paths before their time together in brown and gold, and though those paths since diverged Mascitti could sense something special about Beasley.

“I had a bit to do with Hugh a few years back at Port Melbourne. I got to know him a little bit then and always thought so highly of him," Mascitti said.

“From the moment he arrived at Box Hill he has been such a great support for me, so I’m really excited for him to put his own stamp on the captaincy.

“He’s dependable, respectful, but also very driven. I think that’s going to be his great strength as a leader – he’s personable but has such strong standards.

“He sets a great example for a number of the younger boys; he knows what the VFL is all about and is ready to do great things for this club.”

When asked for his philosophy on leadership, the new Hawks skipper was his typically genuine self, something which will no doubt hold him in good stead for the season ahead.

“I’m not going to be captain forever, so I’ll enjoy the role while it lasts," he said.

“I think, the most important thing is being approachable, setting the standard and being the leader for the group.

“I want to make sure that those who come into the Box Hill program grow not only as footballers, but people too.”

Beasley’s leadership group will be finalised in the coming weeks and announced during Box Hill's pre-season camp in February.