Former Fairfax Media journalist Rohan Connolly has revealed his top five captains of the modern era, following Luke Hodge's announcement earlier in the week.
Ahead of his 300th game against Geelong this weekend, Hodge announced he would retire at season's end, after a career that saw him captain Hawthorn to three premierships and win four overall, as well as being one of just three players in history to win two Norm Smith Medals.
Hodge's six years as captain between 2011-2016 saw Hawthorn enjoy one of their best ever periods, as he led them to four grand finals and three flags.
On SEN radio on Thursday afternoon, Connolly ranked his top five captains since 1970.
5. Tony Shaw
"He's an interesting one Shawy. When Leigh Matthews became Collingwood coach in 1986, there was a little period there where Shaw's spot in the side was by no means assured.
"He's such a great person, but he's such a fiercely determined person, so he just set his mind to making himself fit enough and strong enough to maintain that place, and then of course Choco Williams left to join Brisbane after '86, so Shawy had gone from struggling to hold his spot to captain of the side.
"He became captain of Collingwood as they rebuilt the team, they had another good era, made finals in '88 and '89, gets to 1990, and I would argue no grand final captain has ever been under more pressure than Tony Shaw in the 1990 grand final, with the weight of the 32 year premiership drought on their shoulders.
"Not only did he get them over the line to overcome what had become a significant hoodoo, but he was the best player on the ground and won a Norm Smith Medal."
