GWS coach Kevin Sheedy has labelled Tom Scully's dedication and leadership skills potentially on par with premiership winners James Hird and Francis Bourke after inducting him into the Giants' captaincy group.
The star midfielder will serve as vice-captain alongside co-captains Callan Ward and Phil Davis after being voted into the club's leadership contingent by team-mates and coaching staff.
Sheedy played under the legendary Bourke during Richmond's rich premiership run in the late 1960s and early 70s and, as coach, enjoyed success at Essendon after appointing Hird to the Essendon captaincy in the late 90s.
The veteran coach believes Scully has similar hallmarks to those great leaders.
"I think he is right up there in the standard of what leaders should be in the AFL, not only in our club," Sheedy said on Tuesday.
"The feedback from our playing group was that Tom is a true professional who is highly respected for the way he prepares himself but also does a lot of little things that often go unnoticed during games.
"They respect the way Tom trains, his attention to detail, his dedication towards his footy career.
"Over the 40-odd years I've been involved I rate him pretty highly in his dedication, along with players like a Hird or Francis Bourke.
"When you see that early you reward it."
Scully wasn't seeking a leadership role but said he had been forced to step up to help younger players as the competition newcomers continue to adjust to life in the AFL.
"Since coming to the Giants I think my leadership is something which has really improved," he declared.
"It has helped me mature a lot more as a person and as a footballer. It's something that I have really embraced.
"Setting an example through leadership is something I hope to develop over this year and in the years to coming.
"I'm really looking forward to the year ahead and the responsibility that comes with it."
The Giants finished last in their inaugural season but have set a goal of being competitive in every match throughout 2013.