The 27-year-old succeeds Scott Pendlebury who served in the role for a Club-record 206 games across nine consecutive seasons.

The son of former Captain (1981-1982) and Club great Peter Moore, Darcy began his journey at Collingwood when he was drafted as a Father-Son selection in the 2014 National Draft. Peter and Darcy become just the second father-son captains in Collingwood history after Charlie Pannam Snr (1905) and his son Alby Pannam (1945).

“It is truly an incredible honour to be given the opportunity to lead this team,” Moore said.

“The Collingwood captaincy is significant in its own right but it also holds another layer of significance for my family and I. To follow my father’s journey as Captain of the Collingwood Football Club at almost the same stage in his football journey is very special.

“There’s no shortage of strong and up-and-coming leaders in our group, and I look forward to working closely with the individuals that surround me to ensure we all continue to develop as leaders. I am fortunate to be part of a team and wider Club that features so many selfless and determined individuals.”

In September last year, Moore ended a stellar 2022 campaign by finishing third in the E. W Copeland Trophy count after returning to the game following a 2021 season that was interrupted by injury.

Prior to injury, Moore’s 2020 campaign was a career-high. Known as one of the league’s best tall defenders, he dictated games in defence and attack from the back half. His performance was awarded with an All-Australian blazer.

Off the field, Moore is a role model within the Collingwood environment and across the wider AFL community. Since 2016 he has been a member of the AFL Players’ Association and, more recently, a Board Member. In 2021, Moore was one of the athlete leaders who shaped a response to the Club’s Do Better Report on racism and he has since been an instrumental part of the internal working group for Do Better along with supporting other initiatives aimed at continuing to progress our Club.

The Collingwood Board ratified Moore’s appointment and the appointments of a further three leaders last night.

Taylor Adams, Jeremy Howe and Brayden Maynard will support Moore and round out the leadership group.

This will be Adams’ eighth season in the group while Howe prepares for his sixth. Following his first All-Australian blazer last year, Maynard is elevated to the leadership group.

“We congratulate Darcy on being appointed Captain and also Taylor, Jeremy and Brayden on their appointments to the leadership group,” Collingwood General Manager of Football Graham Wright said.

“All four players display a strong alignment to the Club values as well as attributes that will nurture, mentor and inspire the team.

“This process has confirmed there is no shortage of upcoming leaders in our group. We are fortunate to have a number of players who will play a role in leading this team even if they don’t hold a formal leadership title.”

Appointment of the Club’s leaders is a player-led process. The process incorporated values and leadership qualities on and off the field. The squad and key senior staff nominate and vote on candidates before a final recommendation is put to the Club’s Board for approval.

Although he will not be in an official leadership role, Pendlebury will continue to support and guide Moore and the wider leadership group throughout this transition.

The news was announced to Club’s players and staff this morning.