Simon Colosimo has added another honour to his decorated domestic football career by being named as the inaugural captain of Melbourne Heart.
Colosimo, who won the Joe Marston Medal for the best on ground in last season’s Hyundai A-League Grand Final when playing for Sydney, will wear the armband for this season in a leadership group which contains Matt Thompson, John Aloisi, Josip Skoko and Young Socceroo Kliment Taseski.
The 31-year-old central defender is a natural leader for the new club given his wealth of experience at club level both in Australia and overseas.
“As a club, we are very lucky to have so many players with proven leadership qualities,” coach John van ‘t Schip said.
“Simon’s appointment as captain however works very well for the club as he is a Melbourne boy and he has shown great faith in Melbourne Heart FC by committing to us for the long term.”
“As a player, he is a natural leader and clearly has great respect among Australia’s professional footballers.”
Van ‘t Schip has praised the qualities of his entire leadership group as the club embarks on its first season, which kicks off against Central Coast Mariners on August 5.
“Each member of the leadership group will play a crucial role in the continued development of our football Club and assist in the learning process we are all undertaking,” he said.
“Josip and John will be able to provide the steadying hand only experience can bring, Matt proved last season how influential he can be in a leadership role and Kliment will be a valuable link between the younger group and the coaches.”
