MICHAEL Voss believes Jed Adcock has the attributes to be an "ideal replacement" for injured skipper Robert Murphy.
Voss was coach of the Brisbane Lions in 2013 when Adcock was appointed co-captain with Jonathan Brown and he says the 30-year-old's experience, leadership and ability will be an asset to Luke Beveridge's young side.
Adcock will make his Bulldogs debut in Saturday night's clash against Carlton after the club picked him up in the rookie draft following 12 seasons with the Lions.
Preview: Carlton v Western Bulldogs
"I'm not sure of their intentions with him, but considering they've lost their captain in the half-back role I'd assume he'd play that role for them," Voss told AFL.com.au.
"In some ways Jed's an ideal replacement from the perspective he uses the ball really well, he'll straighten up the backline really well and he has a really strong voice to lead players with.
"I'm sure they want their captain out there, but Jed is a good replacement for Murphy and he immediately adds something to them through experience."
That experience was founded over 206 games and two seasons as captain at the Gabba, and Port Adelaide assistant coach said Adcock's leadership credentials grew steadily after his arrival at the Lions in 2003.
"He developed into the role at Brisbane and to the point where the playing group valued highly what he contributed in leadership," Voss said.
"The players have a significant say on who they want to represent them and Jed was certainly the nominated player to share those responsibilities with 'Browny'.
"He was held in high regard and earned that respect over a long period of time, and I'm sure Jed feels like he's earning that respect all over again."
While Brown thinks the Bulldogs' flag hopes ended with Murphy's season-ending knee injury, Voss doesn't agree with three-time premiership teammate.
"Bob will be missed, but I don't think clubs are built on one player," Voss said.
"The captain is important, but the leadership group steps forward and you move on.
"If one goes down, another one stands up and that's a challenge to them, but I think they've got a good one in Jed to alleviate those concerns."
From his own experience of captaining the Lions for a decade while enduring his fair share of injuries, Voss believes Murphy can still play a significant role in the remainder of Dogs' season.
"He'll never be as influential on the sidelines than out on the green grass, so there's no doubt he'll be missed, but I also think the strength of any captain is the guys that stand around him," Voss said.
"What Bob can do now is lead that leadership group to ensure the team's preparation is right and following through on the things they said they're going to do."
