Geelong's Mark O'Connor. Picture: AFL Photos

IRISHMAN Mark O'Connor is the left-field addition to a seven-man Geelong leadership group announced at the club's season launch on Friday night.

The 23-year-old replaces veteran defender Harry Taylor who has opted to stand down ahead of what is set to be his last AFL season.

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Joel Selwood, who holds the record for most games captained at the Cats, will remain as skipper for a ninth consecutive season.

Patrick Dangerfield and Mark Blicavs will continue as co-vice captains alongside last year's members Mitch Duncan, Tom Stewart and Zach Tuohy.

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Selwood has led the Cats for 185 matches and requires 41 more games in charge to match Carlton legend Stephen Kernahan's VFL/AFL tally of 226.

Set to turn 32 in May, Selwood is on track to surpass Kernahan's feat in the next season in what will be the final year of his current contract.

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"The seven-player group have been nominated by their peers, coaches and football executive team as those with the leadership qualities and values to lead our team and our club forward into 2020," Geelong head of football Simon Lloyd said.

"We also congratulate captain Joel Selwood on continuing his captaincy. 

"Joel's number one priority has always been the betterment of the Geelong Football Club, ultimately protecting who we are and what we stand for.

"He consistently takes the time to nurture, challenge and positively influence those around him.

"His hunger for personal growth and the development of his teammates is outstanding and we look forward to him leading the group into 2020."

Duncan will notch his seventh consecutive season in the leadership group dating back to 2014.