Hawthorn has appointed defender Jarman Impey as captain for the AFL's upcoming Sir Doug Nicholls Round.
Current skipper James Sicily broke the news to Impey in front of teammates and coaches earlier this week, with the 28-year-old now preparing to lead the side for the first time this Sunday at Adelaide Oval.
Impey follows in the footsteps of Hawthorn great and First Nations trailblazer Chance Bateman, who was the first Indigenous player to captain the club during the AFL's Indigenous Round in 2007.
A highly respected teammate, Impey has long been lauded for his dedication, selflessness and enthusiasm on and off the field, with the dashing defender cementing himself as one the club’s key pillars in recent years.
Impey, who forms part of the club's six-man leadership group ‘Moorditj Kuda', said he would cherish the opportunity to step up as captain.
"It is an absolute honour to captain this great club, particularly to do so as part of Sir Doug Nicholls Round," Impey said.
"No doubt this will be a special moment for me as I represent my family, my loved ones and my First Nations culture.
"The privilege and responsibility to lead the boys over the next fortnight certainly isn't lost on me, and my commitment to them remains the same, as we play to make the Hawthorn faithful proud."
Taken with Pick 21 in the 2013 national draft, Impey has chalked up 181 games across seven seasons in the brown and gold before a previous four years at Port Adelaide.
A consistent and reliable performer, Impey has elevated his game in 2024, averaging a career-high 7.1 marks and 3.9 rebound 50s, 19 disposals and 2.6 tackles per game.
Hawthorn CEO Ash Klein congratulated Impey on his appointment ahead of a significant fortnight of football.
"Jarman's leadership has shined through in recent years, he is a respected and revered First Nations leader at Hawthorn, and more broadly across the league," Klein said.
“Over seven seasons, Jarman's impact at our football club has been profound, the way he positively influences our environment and others around him has seen entrenched as a much-loved and highly-respected leader within our four walls.
“Everyone at Hawthorn couldn't be happier for Jarman to be awarded this honour and we wish him the very best as he does our club proud over the next fortnight."
Hawthorn will kick off its Sir Doug Nicholls Round against Yartapuulti at Adelaide Oval, before taking on Brisbane at Marvel Stadium in Round 11.
The players will be wearing the club's 2024 Indigenous Guernsey for the first time this weekend, which was designed by artist Jade Dolman inspired by and in collaboration with Chance Bateman.
