Carlton on Tuesday named a new five-man leadership group for the 2013 AFL season following Chris Judd's decision to step aside after five years as captain.
Led by veterans Andrew Carrazzo, Kade Simpson and Jarrad Waite, the group also features 2011 John Nicholls Medal winner Marc Murphy.
After two seasons at the Blues, defender Nick Duigan has been voted in for the first time.
Carlton's general manager of football Andrew McKay said the entire playing list was given the opportunity to nominate for a leadership role. The playing group then voted on the nominees.
"We are really pleased with the group chosen, we've got a balanced spread of experience and each line group is represented," he said.
The leadership group has also been trimmed from nine players in 2012.
"It is not about numbers, but instead a mix of respected players that will drive Carlton's expectations on and off the field in 2013," McKay said.
The naming of the group comes after Blues superstar Judd yesterday confirmed he would not captain the AFL club next year.
The two-time Brownlow Medallist, who captained West Coast to the 2006 premiership, has skippered the Blues for five seasons since joining them at the end of 2007.
But the 29-year-old said with new coach Mick Malthouse taking over it was the right time to bring in a new skipper.
Judd will step outside the club's leadership group completely.
Carlton does not expect to name a new captain until February, with Murphy and Carrazzo considered front-runners.
"I have thoroughly enjoyed the past five years," Judd said.
"However I have decided I want to step down and hand the job over to someone else and with a new coach it seemed like the right time for a fresh start at the club.
"At this stage of my career, I am looking forward to getting back to enjoying the essence of footy and not having as much responsibility around the club as I have had in previous years.
"I certainly won't be pushing any less hard to bring success and will still have an active role, however it just won't be in an official leadership capacity."
AAP
Tags: australian-football-league, sport, carlton-3053, melbourne-3000, vic, australia First posted December 11, 2012 08:32:57