Dan Capiron and Marcus Herbert will lead the VFL Cats in 2025, as captain and vice-captain respectively.

Capiron returns as captain for a second consecutive season, with the intercept defender set to celebrate his 100th VFL game in the early stages of the season.

Entering into his ninth season at GMHBA Stadium, Capiron joined the Cats ahead of the 2017 season and enjoyed a consistent 2024 season, which included playing every game as he led the Cats to a return to finals for the first time since 2019.

Capiron said he was looking forward to the challenge ahead in 2025.

“You think about how we how we finished last year and how we went, it’s just trying to take another step as a team,” he said.

“We’ve had a few in and out in terms of personnel, but it is exciting with some youngsters coming through the draft, and then some who missed out on the draft, but have shown a lot in their first pre-season here. It’s very exciting all around.

“I can’t wait to work alongside Marcus again; he’s showing a lot through his leadership. He’s only pretty young still, 22, it’s his fifth year here, and I can’t wait to see how he goes in more of a leadership role, in terms of that standalone vice-captain role. He’s got a lot of wisdom and a lot of knowledge for someone his age. For him to impart that on others, I can’t wait for him to evolve in that sense, too.”

Herbert, who plays predominantly across half-back, first appeared in the Cats’ VFL line-up in 2021 while also playing for Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the NAB League, before joining the Cats’ VFL program in 2022.

He has played 42 games in the Hoops and is in line to celebrate game 50 this year. Herbert was a standout in the Cats’ VFL program last year, playing 18 games, and finishing fourth in the Cats’ VFL best and fairest count.

Geelong VFL Senior Coach Mark Corrigan congratulated both Caprion and Herbert.

“They complement each other really well: they’re both competitive, but they’re both different in the ways they go about it,” Corrigan said.

“‘Cap’ (Capiron) is very nurturing and very much out there and supporting the players, and ‘Disco’ (Herbert) can just go about it in a very understated way. Both have that much respect from the playing group and just appreciate everyone in the program.

“With Cap, his time in the game and his time at the club, he’s someone that just values people and values the inclusivity of VFL, and he’s a great connector of the AFL and VFL players.

“His football in the last couple of years has probably been some of the best football he’s played, but he’s also really clear in what his role is and who he is as a person, which is what you want in a leader. For us, he’s an extension of the coaches to the players, which is a great conduit to have.

“Marcus has just kept growing every year. He’s made a really strong commitment to the Club. We’ve seen him grow as a person and as a player. He’s a staple of what we do at VFL week-in, week-out. He’s someone who quietly goes about his work supporting the players.

“We’re absolutely excited for the season to start this weekend. It feels like it’s come around quickly, but the players are ready. They played some good footy last week, with plenty of little things to work on, but it’s always nice when the real thing is here.”

The Cats open their 2025 Smithy’s VFL Season against Sandringham at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Sunday, with first bounce at 2.05pm.

All matches in the 2025 Smithy’s VFL and VFLW seasons will be live streamed free via the AFL website, AFL Live Official App and VFL App.