Oh yes if only - he is displaying real leadership right at the moment.

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"Whoever said you can't buy happiness forgot about puppies." - Gene Hill

I find someone who's out with a 13 week calf injury very inspiring.

A thread on our leadership....how come no one thought to discuss this before now?

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"The ability to speak doesn't make you intelligent." Qui-Gon Jinn 15-05-2005

"there’s more chance of me becoming the full forward for the [Western Bulldogs] than there is of any change in the Labor Party." Julia Gillard 18-05-2010

I am also a big fan of Kouta but he is not captain material. However, I was at the game against Free-O and saw him pump the guys up before the game. I see Hird, Bucks and Voss do this and really give direction to their team....this is sometimes lacking in Kouta.

However, unfortunately there is no one from the senior group who could fulfill captaincy at the moment at carlton.....I think in a few years, Waite could be a inspirational leader but too young at the moment. The only other potential person is Campo but still not the best choice.

Have to agree with the majority and as much as it pains me to say, unfortunately he is not the man. Before the injuries he might have been able to lift the players around him with his deeds but not anymore. Who's the alternative though? Sad indicement on our current leaders, isn't it?

I think Stevo could, as he leads by example of hard work, week in-week out (OK...that's been a bit lacking lately, but you know what I mean), but I get the feeling that making him captain would put a lot of peoples' noses out of joint.

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And so while others miserably pledge themselves to the pursuit of ambition and brief power, I will be stretched out in the shade, singing.

Agree with The Fish. Good pick up there.

Am not sure how many people read the article in the Herald Sun a few weekend backs analysing the captains in the league. Kouta ranked number 3, I think behind Voss and can't remember who else (Roo from Adelaide??) which was a big surprise to me.

We need a captain to set the tone with their performance and also stand up for other players. The much lauded Hamill has only half that package, and I guess it could be argued that Kouta only has the other half.

Someone like Riccuito or Voss is the perfect captain in my view. They are both great players and they also won't take any crap from the opposition.

add bucks to that as well (oh that hurts).. .

Is that you Cybil?

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Looking forward to seeing our potential realised.

according to the Herald Sun, we have the next best captain after Voss and Roo.

See the problem is we have no one on our side that is a leader like Voss, Hird and Bucks......so looking at who we've got, there is no choice but to stick with Kouta as captain.....Pagan or whoever should just have words with him about leadership and what role he must play in respect to this.

I dont' think he should be dropped as Captain coz there is no one that could take that role at the moment.....he just needs to learn and build on being a captain. Kouta, unfortunately is nearing the end of his career but hopefully he will stick around for another couple of years to help the club rebuild and give guidance to the younger ones. And then hopefully, there will be momentum from these younger boys and a natural leader will be born.

I don't think he is a great captain but we have no other clear choice so Kouta needs to stay in the job. I get the feeling he was asked and did not really want it. The only other option for me is Whitnall (if he stays). I think it might be good for him.

Pickle, I was about to bring up Whitnall as well.

I think he could be a smoky after Kouta (either this or next year) if he can get some form. I don't attribute too much of his drop in form post-wizard cup on him personally, but more on the midfielders. It is difficult for even the best players to win the ball if the delivery into the forward line is not to your advantage.

Whitnall could be a consideration but I think Pagan favors Campo before him..

by the way, I agree Kouta should stick around, captain or not. we need his size and talent. with a better ruck, he'll go back to being the best clearance player in the league.

The only person that i would be happy to see take the Captaincy from Kouta would be Waite.........................but he is still too young! Maybe another 2 seasons!

Kouta has earnt the right to lead this team and what he lacks in the 'traditional' Captain attributes.....................he makes up for it in inspiration and mentorship for kids like Waite, Walker and the like!!!!!

Nobody else on this team deserves it more............................i know a lot of people suggest Stevens - but really he has done @#$%&! all to earn the right to lead a 100+ year old 16 premiership winning respected and envied proud football club!

Let Kouta do it next year! Then hand it over to Waite for the 2007 season!

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"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit"
- Aristotle

Look i'm not a namesdropper but I was talking to someone who DIDN't KNOW Synbad, Bluemark, blah blah but DID have a locker next to Kouta's who said that Kouta commands respect, is great with the younger players and takes time to teach the kids. Given the rest of our list may be of a bit lower standard than everyone elses, and Kouta may not have a lot of leadership support, I think that's the skill needed at the moment... Go Kouta.

ps Keep an eye out next week for an interview on the website!

That is what I want to see as well. I reckon Waite would really grow into the role and become an inspirational captain. 2007 would be perfect timing.

The caveat of course is that Waite has to keep improving for the remainder of this year and next.

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When Kouta hangs up his boots whether it is the end of this year or most likely next year Stevens is a shoe in for the job.

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"We used to sit around and talk about how bad the game plan was." Anthony Koutoufides

Kouta reminds me of Cliffy Young these days.... except he wears adidas.

Carrazzo does know me molesy.

Doubt Kouta will be captain next year.....unless were tanking again....

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I seriously want to see Bananaby captain for a season or two.

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The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
So hard to earn, so easily burned
In the fullness of time
A garden to nurture and protect

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