Meet the 2025 Leadership Team!
13/03/2025
With pre-season wrapping up and the anticipation for Round One building, it's time to turn our attention to the new faces set to lead our Zebs this season.
For the upcoming 2025 season, our leadership group has grown to six outstanding individuals who embody the true qualities of leadership. Blake Watson takes the helm as Captain, with Misilifi Faimalo by his side as Vice-Captain. Supporting them are Ethan Williams, Liam Purcell, Andrew Mathieson, and Mitch Ryan, who will play key roles in guiding and inspiring the Zebs to greatness.
Let’s take a closer look at this group!
Blake Watson – Captain
An exciting new chapter for Watson as Captain heading into his fourth season with the Sandringham Zebras, after making his debut in 2022. The 25 year-old is a reliable asset both on and off the field, with a wealth of experience and knowledge that will be vital for the Zebs success this season.
Watson’s standout 2024 season with the Zebs set him apart as a true leader. His achievements include winning the Zeal Player of the Year Award, securing the Greg Lyons Memorial Trophy for the Most Courageous Player for the second consecutive year after claiming both in 2023, and earning the Ed Hattam Memorial Trophy for the Most Determined Player. His impressive accolades make his captaincy both well-earned and well-deserved.
“I’m super excited and very proud to be stepping into captaincy. It really means a lot to have the support and trust from my teammates and staff, I feel honoured to be able to follow in the footsteps of past captains of whom I have so much respect for as players, leaders and more importantly as people. As for leaving an impact, I really want to lead by example and ensure that our zeal values are at the core of everything that we do. I will aim to set strong foundations, build strong and meaningful connections across the club and all together build that culture into something really special.”
Misilifi Faimalo– Vice Captain
Born in Samoa and raised in New Zealand, Faimalo's leadership journey began early, captaining both the Wellington Samoans U18 and U21 rugby teams before transitioning to AFL. With his experience and raw talent to lead, it was of no surprise that he would make an incredible Vice Captain. His athletic talent quickly stood out in AFL New Zealand’s U18 Academy and senior men’s program, earning him the AFL New Zealand U18 Player of the Year title in 2018.
As the Zebs introduce a young playing group for the 2025 season, it comes as no surprise that Misi will be a key leader alongside Watto, playing a vital role in mentoring and motivating the team to reach their full potential. His positive, vibrant, and hardworking attitude, along with his supportive nature and ever-present smile, have been a testament to his strong team morale and passion for the Zebs.
“Stepping into the new role is very exciting and challenging. I see it as an opportunity to support Watto and contribute to the team. My goal is to create an environment where all the boys can enjoy the journey, have fun, feel valued and motivated, inspiring them to achieve our collective goals as well as their individual goals. I’m keen, I’m grateful and I’m ready to rock with all the Uso’s (brothers in Samoan language)”.
Ethan Williams, Liam Purcell, Andrew Mathieson and Mitch Ryan
Together, this group of Zebs forms an incredibly valuable leadership team. Having previously spent their VFL seasons with clubs like GWS Giants, Collingwood Football Club, and Box Hill Hawks, it's truly impressive that during the pre-season they’ve already showcased such strong leadership potential. We’re thrilled to see them represent the yellow, black, and blue this season and can’t wait to witness the positive impact they’ll have on the playing group as they support Blake and Misi!
Written by Olivia Harrison - Sandringham FC