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Collingwood have confirmed veteran midfielder Scott Burns will be the new captain of the AFL club, replacing the retired Nathan Buckley.

The Magpies also announced that Josh Fraser will be vice-captain while Tarkyn Lockyer, Scott Pendlebury and Nick Maxwell will be deputies.

Coach Mick Malthouse said the characteristics, integrity and respect were most important in picking their leader.

He said they also wanted to introduce a balance of ages into the leadership positions.

Burns said his style would be one of empowering other players underneath him to make good decisions rather than telling them what to do.

"It's a big honour but I don't feel like I'm out there in front of anyone and definitely not above the boys behind me," Burns said referring to Fraser and the three deputies.

"The five of us here only represent a small part of the club.

"There's another 10 guys underneath them that have really progressed in terms of leadership and taken on responsibilities, we've got 15 or 20 leaders out there."

AAP

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