As is tradition at the Bullets under Joey Wright's coaching, the team captain was decided by a vote amongst the players. Following in the footsteps of Bullets legends such as Larry Sengstock, Leroy Loggins, Simon Kerle and Derek Rucker should come naturally to the Australian Boomers forward who has led by example for his entire career.

Mackinnon's leadership skills were on show this past weekend, where his rebounding, defence and timely scoring contributions guided the Bullets to an undefeated run at the Preseason Blitz. Named as a member of the Blitz All-Star Five, he collected the tournament trophy from Commissioner Burton on behalf of his winning team in a preview to Friday's announcement.

Bullets general manager, Jeff Van Groningen agreed wholeheartedly with his team's decision to install Mackinon as the next Bullets captain.

"Sam's wealth of experience both in the NBL and internationally, along with his natural tendenancy to lead by example on the floor makes him a logical choice to captain our club. "

"He is respected greatly not only by his teammates and the Bullets management, but also by his opponents and league officials. The leadership he exhibited at the Blitz, where his team backed up for six wins in a row showed that he is going to make an excellent Bullets skipper."

Coach Joey Wright had this to say about his team's decision to appoint Mackinnon as captain.

"I'm estatic with my players' selection of Sam as captain. His ability and qualifications to lead this team are unquestionable."

"We are lucky to already have a strong leadership group with players like Black, Bradtke and CJ Bruton on board, but Sam has that special ability to lift his teammates with inspirational play. There's not many things that lift a team more than seeing their captain put in the extra effort to get the big block or rebound, and Sam puts in that effort every game he plays."

The BreakFree Bullets take on Queensland rivals, the Townsville Crocodiles, this weekend in their final pre-season hitout. The game is to be played at Ormiston College, tip off is at 3:00pm.