TOM Peterson will lead a restructured Sebastopol leadership group into its Ballarat Football League season opener against Darley at Sebastopol on Saturday.
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He has the massive job of filling the vacancy left by the injured Malcom Niblett, who is out for the year after knee reconstruction surgery.
Peterson was vice-captain last year and was set to support Niblett in the same role until the setback.
On-baller Brent van Gils is the new vice-captain and Sam Jenkins is deputy vice-captain.
Kookaburras coach Shawne Dummett said Niblett would still have a hands-on role, with the VFL and BFL representative defender continuing as backline coach.
The loss of Niblett is a huge setback for Sebastopol, which won just three games last year and continues to build on the foundation of a strong youth policy.
Dummett said the last thing the Burras could afford was losing a player of Niblett’s quality and standing, but all they could do was press on.
He said Peterson was an impressive person, who had make his mark in two seasons since moving to Marty Busch Reserve from East Point.
“He’s shown a lot of leadership across the board – on the field match day and at training, and around the club.
“He’s positive and if there’s something to say he won’t hesitate saying it.”
Dummett said it was not unusual for players to seek him out for a chat either.
Other than the Niblett injury, which happened on the training track without warning or contact from any other player, Dummett is pleased with the progress made pre-season.
“We have more depth and our younger players have another pre-season under their belt,” he said.
Sebastopol will continue with its youth policy, with Dummett planning to name four debutants up from the under-18s for the opening assignment.
He said having all players on two-year contracts also provided added surety to the club’s rebuilding.
The BFL home and away season begins with three matches on Saturday:
2.15pm: Sunbury v Melton at Sunbury
2.15pm: Sebastopol v Darley at Marty Busch Reserve
7.15pm: Melton South v Bacchus Marsh at Melton Recreation Reserve
david.brehaut@fairfaxmedia.com.au
