When Mitchell Duke signed for his hometown club in January, he regarded it as a “massive privilege”.
When Mitchell Duke signed for his hometown club back in January, he regarded it as a “massive privilege”.
In terms of his football, the boy from the West had finally been able to connect with the heart and soul of his upbringing.
Duke’s connection with his roots has today gone to another level, having been named the club’s sixth Hyundai A-league captain this morning.
Duke joins Michael Beauchamp, Nikolai Topor-Stanley, Dimas Delgado, Robbie Cornthwaite and Brendan Hamill on the captain’s honour board.
For the 28-year-old, the opportunity to represent his hometown in front of his family and the passionate Wanderers fans is something he will always hold close to his heart.
“Coming to the Wanderers last season was a massive privilege for me because they have had so much success and have the most passionate fans in the league,” said Duke.
“The Wanderers represent the region where I grew up. To now be named captain, that is something else.
“To lead the boys out in a game, every weekend is just going to be a real highlight of my career. I feel very honoured.
“It’s such an exciting time for the club with the new facilities and a new stadium, and I am very proud to be part of it.”
Duke was voted captain by his fellow teammates and has very strong thoughts on how he will approach his captaincy – a one in, all in approach, that is set to inclusive.
“I’m excited to bring my leadership and I want to create this thing that it is not just me wearing the armband, leading the boys out, but it’s a team full of leaders no matter how old they are, be it 20 or 35,” explained Duke.
“I want everyone to be a leader out there whether they are on the pitch, on the bench or not selected.
“I believe it is going to be an exciting year for the members, fans, the club, the players and for me.
“To wear the armband, I can’t be thankful enough to the boys for thinking I am up to the challenge.”
