Bate and Duscher are part of a four-man leadership group announced this evening, which also includes Matthew Firman and Jacob Thompson.
Coach Hayden Skipworth said both players would play important roles in leading the side throughout 2013.
“We are really excited to have both Matt and Ben as our captains in our first year as a stand alone VFL side,” Skipworth said.
“Ben was a captain last year, is a really good on field leader and is really good at training and around the contested footy.”
“Matt prepares for training at the highest level and our players will be able to watch what he does pre and post trainings to learn a lot from his experience.”
Bate, who has over 100 games AFL experience with Melbourne, said he was excited to be taking on the role.
“I’m really excited, it was a little bit of a surprise but a real honour to lead this club’s VFL side who I think is going to achieve great things.”
“I have a lot of experience which I hope to be able to help each player with whether it be form slumps or getting to know the game plan better.”
“I hope to be able to help each individual player with whatever it is I can, I have gone through a lot myself and hopefully I can pass on those lessons.”
A former captain of Bendigo Gold, Duscher said he was thrilled to be elected to the position by his peers.
“It is an honour especially when you get nominated by your playing group so it is definitely a privilege to have the title,” Duscher said.
“To share the role with Matty and learn from him is something that I am definitely looking forward to.”
Watch above exclusive vision of coach Hayden Skipworth making the announcement to the playing group ahead of training on Monday afternoon.
Essendon will kick off their VFL campaign against Bendigo at Queen Elizabeth Oval on Friday night.
