Leaders Of The Pack: Dingos Announce Leadership Group At London Preseason Trip

The Toronto Dingos coaching staff announced the leadership group for the upcoming AFLO season. Mike Bocian will become the second longest serving captain of the club, leading the team for a seventh straight year.

Assisting Bocian in the leadership duties are first-time Vice-Captains Chris Jepsen and James Talbot.

The coaching group announced the leadership group at the recent preseason training camp in London Ontario, with this year's leaders having set the standards throughout the preseason organizing fitness programs and skills sessions as well as providing advice and encouragement to Dingos new and old as the club look to go one better in season 2025.

“Mikey has consistently shown what it means to lead this club, both on and off the field,” said Justin Robertson, head coach and president of the Toronto Dingos Football Club. "He’s become a real role model for Canadian players coming into the sport, showing them that it’s possible to not only play footy at a high level but lead a club with pride."

Mike Bocian enters 2025 as captain of the Toronto Dingos for the seventh time, marking the second-longest captaincy in club history—behind only Craig Stewart’s eight-year tenure—and the longest by a Canadian.

Of the honour, Bocian said "I feel very lucky to be leading the Dingos for a seventh year as captain. This club is very important to me and all the players past and present have become my brothers. And to be able to go out and play footy and lead them on the field every Saturday is an honour."

In his second year at the club, JT has already made an impact at the Dingos, organizing an off season training program through Jack Grimes at JJ High Performance and providing constant feedback to the growing contingent of those new to the sport (as the England native once was himself).

"JT has been a vocal and supportive presence since joining the club." Said midfield coach Michael Ladd "He’s built strong relationships across the group, communicates feedback clearly, and consistently looks for ways to help others bring out their best."

The general of the backline, CJ, has been setting the standards at the Dingos since joining back in 2023, constantly raising the standards that the players hold themselves to, and instilling accountability amongst the group.

When talking about CJ as the final piece of the leadership group, Ladd said:

"CJ leads by example both on and off the field. His approach to preparation, routine, and playing with intent quarter by quarter has helped instill strong habits within the team."

Laddy summarized the leadership group selection talking about the complimentary nature the three bring to their respective roles.

"Alongside Michael Bocian, both JT and CJ bring complementary leadership qualities, and we believe their combined influence will help drive us to take the next step this season. They’re all great leaders and lead by example, and we're confident they’ll be able to motivate the playing group to another successful season."

Watch the announcement to the playing group below:

Coach Justin Robertson announces the 2025 leadership group at London preseason camp

The Dingos will start their 2025 campaign hosting two of last year's finalists, taking on the Ottawa Swans to kick off the season at 3pm at Humber South on May 24th, 2025.

If you’re interested in trying out a new sport and want to join the Dingos, please contact Justin Robertson at recruiting@torontodingos.com.

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