A sports-mad former journalist is about to get his first crack at the captaincy.
Michael McCormack will be acting prime minister this week for the first time since being elevated to the Nationals leadership.
In contrast to the political storm which led to Barnaby Joyce's resignation, Mr McCormack has made a steady, if unspectacular, start as Nationals leader.
The former newspaper editor hasn't produced front page headlines, a welcome change for the Nationals after Mr Joyce's affair threw the coalition off course.
Mr McCormack, 53, told AAP he's "honoured and excited" to take on the role while Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is in Europe for two weeks at diplomatic meetings and Anzac ceremonies.
That means the former veterans' affairs minister will be in charge of the nation as it commemorates Anzac Day.
He lists military history among his passions and noted the importance of April 25 on the nation's calendar.
This week Mr McCormack will jet around the country with a focus on regional Victoria, NSW and Queensland.
"I think it's important to get out and about, especially in the regions as often as possible, because it is my most important job to listen to and speak for regional people, especially when I am acting as prime minister," he told AAP.
He'll address the National Press Club in Canberra on Thursday in a speech focusing on job creation in regional Australia and improving connectivity between cities and regional areas.
Mr McCormack grew up on farms in the NSW Riverina, before taking a cadetship at Wagga Wagga's Daily Advertiser newspaper and becoming editor at 27.
Weeks after his rise to top Nat, he ran out in a charity Aussie rules match at Ungarie kicking a goal in the final quarter.
He'll be hoping to bag a few more while avoiding clangers as he runs out for his first appearance leading the government.
