Xavs announce 2022 leaders

Old Xaverians senior coach James Byrne has announced that senior captain Marcus Stavrou, the 2021 Woodrow Medallist, will be joined in the leadership group by Michael Batten and Cauley Beetham in 2022.

Stavrou enters his second season as captain after leading the Xavs to a minor premiership in the 2021 COVID-shortened season.

Stavrou claimed the 2021 Woodrow Medal by 1 vote in an exciting three-way battle with David Mirra (Collegians) and Gus Borthwick (Old Melburnians) in the final round.

He has played 28 games after a stint with the Northern Blues after graduating from Xavier College.

Michael Batten has played 59 games and kicked 53 goals for Old Xavs since debuting in 2017. After graduating from Under 19 ranks, he had a short stay at Sandringham.

Batten is expected to continue to remain a dangerous prospect around goal and further stamping his authority as one of the more dangerous small forwards in the competition.

Cauley “Duck” Beetham, the runner up in the 2019 Woodrow Medal, has played 167 games in the Red and Black since arriving in the U19s in 2011.

He is an accumulator of the football and will no doubt be seen living at the feet of Shaun Hampson all season long around the stoppages.

President Matt Cosgrave endorsed the selection of the trio on the Old Xaverians website.

“Marcus Stavrou was a brilliant leader last year and we know he will continue to be a shining example for his teammates. We’re delighted that two very dedicated and talented midfielders, Michael Batten and Cauley Beetham, will share the leadership duties.

“This is a team with many leaders, both on and off the field, and it speaks volumes for this pair that they have been recognised and chosen. We wish the triumvirate every success,” Cosgrave said.

Old Xaverians travel out to St Bernard’s College for their round 1 clash against the Snowdogs, in the corresponding fixture last season, Xavs claimed the Gary McAllister trophy with Rohan Bewick the matchwinner, kicking 10 goals.