The 2014 Footscray Bulldogs playing list were presented to members and fans for the first time at Family Day on Sunday, led by newly appointed co-captains Nick Lower and Lukas Markovic.

Speaking for the first time as co-captain of Footscray’s VFL Side, Lower said the stand-alone side provides unprecedented opportunities for both the AFL-listed and VFL players.

“As ex-AFL players, to be part of helping the younger boys developing their footy and help them on the journey was one that Lukas and I were really happy to be a part of,” Lower said.

Impressed by the amount of talent on the VFL list, Lower said he hopes to play a key role in helping the players maximise their talent and forge pathways into the AFL system.

“There’s some pretty fantastic footballers amongst the group,” he said.

“Hopefully along the journey we get to see some of the Footscray boys move up the ranks and hopefully be a part of the AFL system.”

The 26-year-old midfielder believes captaining the VFL side is one way he can pay back the Bulldogs for developing and supporting him as a player in 2013.

“It’s a huge honour, both Marko and I have always enjoyed our time here at the Club and are really in debt to the Club for allowing us to play AFL and to continue our careers,” he said.

“We are just looking to give a little bit back.”