Nathan van Berlo has been reappointed skipper of the Crows, with new joint vice-captains Patrick Dangerfield and Rory Sloane to share the acting-captaincy duties on-field in van Berlo’s absence.

Van Berlo, 27, is expected to spend about six months on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles tendon at training in mid-January.

The skipper is aiming for a return to the field by August.

Van Berlo  has captained the Club in 68 games.

Coach Brenton Sanderson said the selection panel, which sought input from coaches, senior players and members of the Club’s management, was unanimous in its support for van Berlo to continue as captain in 2014.

“After comprehensive discussions, in which we assessed all the options, we were unanimous in the decision that Nathan is the best leader of our footy club. He’s the standout,” Sanderson said.

“We’d reached that decision prior to ‘VB’ getting injured. After Nathan was injured, we thought he could still do a fantastic job in leading the Club off the field.

“In the best case scenario, hopefully, we get him back mid-season anyway.”

Dangerfield and Sloane, both 23-years-old, were elevated to the Crows leadership group ahead of the 2012 season.

Forward Taylor Walker and 2010 Club Champion Richard Douglas have been given official leadership roles for the first time in 2014 rounding out a seven-man group, which also includes existing members Scott Thompson and Sam Jacobs.