Kitchin to step down as Subiaco Captain

Subiaco’s multiple premiership Captain Leigh Kitchin has advised his teammates and the wider Club that he will hand over the reins ahead of the 2024 season.

In February 2019, the then 29-year-old Kitchin was appointed as Captain to replace Kyal Horsley. He went on to lead the side for the last 5 years in a span that included two-premierships in 2019 and 2021, including an Outridge Medal in the same year.

Having moved to WA at the start of 2015, Leigh was in the clubs leadership group for nine-consecutive years - testament to the respect from his peers and the club.

“To captain any WAFL Club is a great honour, and to have the responsibility to lead the most successful club of the last 20 years is not something I have ever taken for granted,” Kitchin said.

“It has been an absolute privilege to lead this club, taste premiership success with best mates, and play my small part in the development of great young people".

“At 34 years of age and in the twilight of my career, I feel that this is the optimal time to hand over the position and support the next Captain of our Club.

“I have been fortunate to have played for several wonderful leaders during my journey so far, and I look forward to seeing the next person take the opportunity and make it their own.

“I am confident we have a balanced mix of strong leaders who will continue to drive our storied culture forward, and I am happy to be in a position to support them on and off the field.”

Coach, Beau Wardman, commended Leigh on his decision, paying tribute to his leadership and growth in the role, “Leigh’s record speaks for itself, a two-time premiership captain at our club, unanimously appointed captain over the last five years highlights the respect within our walls for him. His selfless decision recognises the strength in leadership within the club and I know Leigh will still be closely involved with the player leadership of the club.

“He has driven high standards throughout his career, he is highly competitive, and has certainly provided a great example right from the get-go for the young players who will be the future” Wardman said.

“Whilst he hands over the formal leadership role, I know Leigh will continue to lead from the front as a player of high esteem in the competition.”

Whilst Leigh has been highly successful on-field, he lives the club’s North Star - Where You Belong. He has been active in off-field support for players, hosting events, support of the Golds and extending support with employment, work experience and mentoring for both current and past players.

The Club will soon put in place the process to appoint its next captain with the announcement to be made ahead of the 2024 season.

Kitchin informed the playing group of his decision at training this week.