Byrne takes the reins at the Cattery

The 24-year-old made his VFL debut for Geelong in 2019, and has been one of the Cats most reliable utilities since then.

Byrne played 12 games for the Cats in 2022, a year he also enjoyed success as part of Echuca’s Goulburn Valley League premiership side.

His nine games yielded 16 goals, with 10 coming in a dominant finals series.

Byrne’s first test as captain come against Carlton in round one of the season at Ikon Park on Friday, March 24.