McGinnity, Ramsay to lead Royals

Patrick McGinnity will take the reins as sole captain of East Perth, following the retirement of Kyle Anderson in May.

Jackson Ramsay will support McGinnity as vice-captain, elevated to a leadership role for the first time.

It is the first time in almost a decade that the club has reverted to a sole captaincy model after implementing a co-captaincy format in 2012. Michael Swan was the last player to lead the club solo in 2011.

McGinnity’s experience is invaluable, having played 107 WAFL league games (for Claremont and East Perth) and 93 AFL games with the West Coast Eagles.

The 31-year-old made his Royals debut as a West Coast listed player during the alignment in 2014. Following the end of his AFL career, McGinnity signed with East Perth for the 2017 season and was elevated to co-captaincy alongside Kyle Anderson in the same year.

The joint 2018 FD Book Medallist said it was an honour to captain East Perth.

"After I finished at West Coast, to get to partner up with Shaggy as co-captain, it was a big honour and I’ve learnt a lot from him along the way,” McGinnity said.

“Now, to do it on my own, initially it was a bit daunting. I rely on Shaggy a lot, he’s a great mate of mine and a great leader. The opportunity means a lot and I’m ready for a big year with that sort of responsibility.”

McGinnity said he encouraged the club’s emerging leaders to forge their own path and lead by example.

“I see myself as an action based leader. I don’t talk a lot unless I really need to.

“I sort of rely on the vice-captain and leadership group to do most of the talking but when we need to step up and play and train with intensity, I like to think that I try to lead the charge from that perspective.”

At just 25, Ramsay will bring energy and experience to his role as vice-captain. He spent five seasons on Collingwood’s list before returning to East Perth ahead of the 2018 season. He made a remarkable recovery from a second ACL injury sustained in Round 1, 2018, going on to win the FD Book Medal last season.

“He’s still pretty young, Jackson. Obviously, he’s had AFL experience and he’s played a lot of footy now. He can bring his youth, bring his energy,” McGinnity said.

“He’s well positioned in the team, he’s a well-liked bloke and I think he’s going to have a big impact on the footy club.”

Football Operations Manager Warren Parker said the sole captaincy was testament to McGinnity’s positive influence on his teammates.

“Pat brings a wealth of experience and he’s obviously been with the club for a number of years now,” Parker said.

“He’s a hard worker, he’s a really honest and upfront person and I think he commands respect, not only with the career he has had, but also with the way he goes about things.”

“Jackson’s an emerging leader – he’s a guy that we forecast to be a future captain. With Pat still around he’s able to learn off him and the way he goes about it.

“We rate Jackson highly as a player and as a person. He had a fantastic season last year and he’s someone we want to see at the football club for a long time to come.”

The 2020 Optus WAFL Season will start on August 1, with the fixture to be finalised in the coming weeks.