Melbourne's Nathan Jones has revealed he was initially disappointed by the move to share the Demons' captaincy with young star Jack Viney.
Jones was appointed co-captain with Jack Grimes in 2014 and assumed the role in his own right the following year.
Having led the club through some testing times, Jones admitted he had to be convinced by coach Simon Goodwin of the need to split the job from this season with the club seemingly destined for a period of on-field success.
"I think initially, to be completely honest, I was disappointed and frustrated," Jones told Fox Footy on Monday night.
"At the time, being a super-competitive person, I felt like something was being taken away from me.
"(But) I was really conscious and aware of not letting that influence my professionalism, leadership and training standards or impact on the playing group.
"Since then I was able to sit down with Goodi and discuss how he saw it and why the decision was made and I now see it as a real opportunity.
"I'm confident ... that we form a really strong partnership."
Viney, 22, has long been groomed for leadership at the club, but Jones fully expects to continue in the top job next season.
"I think since that initial 24-48 hours I've been able to digest it and only see it as a positive and an opportunity," the 29-year-old said.
"We can work together as a team, share the load, and bridge the gap between younger and older players.
"I think I'm in a terrific position at this stage with my maturity and experience.
"I think Jack and I working together can only be a positive."
Melbourne open their 2017 premiership campaign against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
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