A series of pre-season workshops has led the Lions to adopt a more streamlined leadership group for season 2022.

Dayne Zorko and Harris Andrews return as captain and vice-captain and will be supported by another six returning players to an eight-man leadership group.

In a series of sessions led by Simon Fletcher of Leading Teams, players were encouraged to explore what leadership meant to them, what they wanted from the team’s leaders and what was the best model for the side.

GM of Football Danny Daly said from those meetings the players decided they wanted to reduce the group to eight players.

A vote was then cast, and the top eight vote getters were selected.

Returning to the group are 2021 All Australian Daniel Rich, defensive stalwarts Darcy Gardiner and Ryan Lester, champion midfielder Lachie Neale and his best mate and forward line general Linc McCarthy and emerging champion Hugh McCluggage.

Daly said the captain and vice-captain positions were unanimous while the returning six players were all exemplary characters who led by an example both on and off the field.

“Dayne and Harris were lay down misere’s which is no surprise as they are exceptional leaders of our footy Club,’’ he said.

“Leadership is critical to our success, and it is something we want the players to take ownership of.

“We did some work on that over the pre-season and we’ve been really pleased with the way the players responded and took more control of what leadership looks like at our club.

“Each of these players are different personalities and they all lead in their own ways, and we think that is terrific great for our group.

“But they trait they all share is care for their teammates and our footy Club and a firm commitment to living our values.

“They all deserve this honour, and we look forward to seeing what this group will achieve in 2022.’’