Xavier O’Neill has been named as Essendon’s VFL Captain for the 2024 season.

The powerful midfielder has been a standout in his first pre-season with the Bombers, setting a strong example on the track and building the connection between the club's football programs in training with both the AFL and VFL squads at different stages.

O’Neill’s 39 games at AFL level with the West Coast Eagles has helped in driving the development of the Dons’ emerging VFL squad, bringing welcome experience to a young playing list.

First taking on captaincy duties in the Bombers' practice match against the NTFL Buffaloes in January, the 23-year-old is excited to embrace the role permanently and continue the side's positive trajectory.

“It’s a massive privilege to be able to captain our VFL team in a really exciting time for the club,” O’Neill said.

“Having the opportunity to captain the side on a couple of occasions during this pre-season was huge for me personally and I’m hoping it’ll set me up pretty well for the year ahead.

“We've been big on creating a 'one club' mentality this pre-season. (VFL Senior Coach) Blake Caracella and his team are putting together a strong program to create success, so it will be great to play a role in that by leading a playing group that’s really hungry to keep getting better."

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VFL | Caracella focusing on community connection

VFL Senior Coach Blake Caracella talks after Essendon's practice game against Northern Territory Buffaloes in Darwin.

Fellow on-baller Jackson Hately will serve as the Bombers’ Vice-Captain this season after similarly impressing in his opening months with the club.

Bringing across 28 games of AFL experience from his five seasons with GWS and Adelaide, Hately has integrated seamlessly into the Dons’ VFL squad this pre-season, performing strongly in both practice matches to date.

Already popular members of the playing group, Hately is keen for the opportunity that awaits him in supporting O’Neill as a leader in 2024.

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VFL | Hately joins the Dons

New recruit Jackson Hately joins Essendons VFL side for the upcoming season.

“It’s an honour to be helping ‘Xav’ as a part of this leadership group in 2024 and I couldn’t be more excited for the year to come,” Hately said.

“I’ve got a lot of confidence in this playing group, who’ve come on in leaps and bounds since the first day of pre-season. We’re heading in a good direction both as a team and club, so we’re all keen to see what we can produce this season.”

The Bombers’ VFL campaign kicks off against the Brisbane Lions at the NEC Hangar on Saturday, March 23.