Every AFL team’s captain, leadership group for 2026

Brisbane, Hawthorn and St Kilda lead a host of changes to the 2026 leadership groups in the AFL.

The trio of clubs have announced new captains, with the Hawks undertaking a joint captaincy for the first time in their history. The Saints have also named a pair of stars who succeeded the departed Jack Steele, who was traded to Melbourne.

The Lions also announced a trifecta of leaders following Lachie Neale's decision to stand down.

Take a look at who will be your club's captain, vice-captain and leadership group for 2026.

Adelaide

Jordan Dawson has retained his position as captain of the Crows, and will be supported by returning leaders Ben Keays and Alex Neal-Bullen.

Adelaide big men Reilly O'Brien and Darcy Fogarty are both in the group.

Two new faces in Isaac Cumming and Riley Thilthorpe have rounded out the seven-man 

"It's great to see Isaac and Riley be formally recognised and both have shown they're more than ready for the responsibility," Adelaide coach Matthew Nicks.

"Like the rest of our leaders, they prepare the right way, they put the team first, and they set the tone for how we want to go about our work every day."

Brisbane

The Lions have named Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage as joint captains alongside Harris Andrews for 2026.

Star on-baller Lachie Neale stepped aside following personal problems, which opened a vacancy for Dunkley and McCluggage to step in.

"It was quite unique to have three guys that are more than capable of being great captains at your one club at the one time," Lions coach Chris Fagan said.

"If you have three good people than why not have three captains.

"For us, leadership is a teamwork thing so to have three captains reinforces that philosophy and we work really hard to build leadership density at our footy club.

"These three are our best trademark players, they are fine young men, they are different personalities, so they bring different strengths to the table."

The Lions full eight-man leadership group consists of Jarrod Berry, Cam Rayner, Jaspa Fletcher, Will Ashcroft and off-season recruit Oscar Allen.

Rayner and Berry remain in the role, while Fletcher, Ashcroft and Allen and newbies at the Lions.

Allen was co-captain at West Coast before joining the reigning premiers.

Charlie Cameron, Brandon Starcevich and Oscar McInerney were in the 2025 group.

Carlton

Patrick Cripps will continue leading the Blues in 2026, and will be supported by Jacob Weitering and Sam Walsh.

It will Cripps' fifth season in charge of the club in a sole captaincy role, while he also spent two years as co-skipper alongside Sam Docherty.

Weitering has been Cripps' understudy since 2022, while Walsh joined 12 months later.

The former Pick 1 has been touted as Carlton's next captain, and his contract extension until the end of 2034 has him poised to lead the club.

Collingwood

Darcy Moore has continued as Collingwood captain, while pressure forward Lachie Schultz has been recognised for his leadership via his elevation into the group.

Nick Daicos and Brayden Maynard hold onto their vice-captaincy roles, while Schultz has joined Darcy Cameron, Jamie Elliott and Isaac Quaynor.

Dan McStay was previously in the group.

Essendon

Following the Zach Merrett trade saga and subsequent standing down as captain, former Pick 1 Andrew McGrath took over as the Bombers leader.

"From the minute I walked into the Hangar, this place felt like home. To be trusted to lead this Club is a massive honour, and I have an immense amount of gratitude for the people who make Essendon what it is," McGrath said. 

"I want to acknowledge Zach, who has played a huge role in my career. I've spent years chasing him on the track, he's taught me so much about football and life, and the standards he set have paved the way for this group to succeed. 

"My leadership is pretty authentic, and I love connecting with people. Most importantly, I love helping the team reach the goals we set out to achieve."

Supporting McGrath will be Kyle Langford, Mason Redman and Nic Martin for the second consecutive year, while Sam Durham, Jye Caldwell and recruit Brayden Fiorini are first-timers.

Fremantle

Fremantle have gone relatively unchanged in 2026, with the only addition being Jordan Clark into the leadership group.

Alex Pearce held onto his captaincy, with star midfielders Andrew Brayshaw and Caleb Serong supporting him as vice-captain.

Jaeger O'Meara, Sam Switkowski, Hayden Young and Josh Treacy are in the leadership group along with Clark.

"Jordan is a fierce competitor who cares deeply for his teammates and our entire football club," Fremantle Executive General Manager of Football Joe Brierty said.

"He has been a developing his leadership in recent seasons and he should be very proud of his inclusion in our 2026 leadership group."

Geelong

Patrick Dangerfield and Tom Stewart will continue to lead the Cats in 2026.

Dangerfield, as captain, will continue in the role since taking over from club legend Joel Selwood.

Stewart will support the Brownlow Medallist once again, entering his fifth season in the position.

"We are fortunate as a Club to have the leadership impact of Patrick and Tom. Their pivotal presence within the playing group speaks for itself, not just in performance, but in the way they care for and support their teammates," Geelong EGM Andrew Mackie said.

Gold Coast

After a successful maiden campaign as captain, taking the Suns to their first finals campaign, Noah Anderson will lead Gold Coast in 2026.

Touk Miller, Sam Collins, Matt Rowell, Ben King and Wil Powell remained in the leadership group.

"I'm extremely honoured to be named captain again. I'm lucky to be able to lead an amazing group of players, it feels like we're on a journey together and we're heading in the right direction," Anderson said.

"What has really stood out to me is the number of leaders we have right across the group, not just the boys who have been appointed in the leadership group.

GWS

Star veteran Toby Greene has held onto his captaincy role at the Giants for another season, making it four straight years as the club's skipper.

Greene will be supported by the injured Tom Green (ACL), Connor Idun and Jack Buckley.

Club stalwarts Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio have stood aside for the new leaders to emerge at the club.

"Toby has been an exceptional leader for our club and it made perfect sense for him to continue to lead the club in 2026," GIANTS Executive General Manager of Football Jason McCartney said. 

"Over the last three years he's led our side brilliantly and we have no doubt he'll continue to do the same this year. 

"It's also great to have Tom, Connor and Jack take on expanded leadership roles and be elevated to vice-captains. 

"All three continue to show exceptional leadership qualities and it's great to have them continue to develop as leaders under Toby's guidance. 

"I'd also like to acknowledge the tremendous work and leadership of our two outgoing vice-captains, Josh Kelly and Stephen Coniglio."

Sam Taylor was also named in last year's leadership group, as was Brent Daniels. Both weren't listed for 2026.

Hawthorn

Star midfielder Jai Newcombe was elevated to co-captain alongside James Sicily for 2026, reflecting his incredible rise from the mid-season draft four years ago.

It is the first time in Hawthorn history that there is joint skippers.

"I am incredibly humbled and privileged to be appointed as co-captain of Hawthorn alongside James, who has been a great mentor to me since I joined the club," Newcombe said.

"Being a Hawks supporter my whole life, it has always been a dream of mine to lead the club, and I am committed to getting the best out of myself and my teammates as we continue to hunt the club's next premiership."

Dylan Moore was vice-captain in 2025, but wasn't mentioned in regards to the upcoming season.

Melbourne

Max Gawn has continued his reign as Demons captain, with Jack Viney supporting him in the role as vice-captain.

Gawn stepped into the position in 2020. and has extended his skipper title to seven seasons.

"It's no surprise that Max will be the captain and leader of our club again this year, supported by Jack," new coach Steven King said.

"From afar, the way that you've both supported this club is incredible. This was never in question that you would be the leaders of this club.

"We know how much this place means to you guys, with your actions on-field but especially off-field."

North Melbourne

Key forward Nick Larkey was voted in as North Melbourne's 2026 captain, taking over from Jy Simpkin.

Simpkin flirted with a trade away from the club after a tumultuous season, but ultimately was held to his contract as no deal was struck.

Harry Sheezel steps into the role as vice-captain, and will be supported by four first-time leaders in Luke Davies-Uniacke, Tristan Xerri, Cam Zurhaar and Charlie Comben.

"Nick has emerged as a key leader and figurehead of this club in his 10 years here, and he should be proud that his peers have elected him to drive this team into its next phase," Roos GM of Football Todd Viney said.

"We're extremely confident that Nick can help take this club forward, and he will be exceptionally well supported by Harry whose on and off-field leadership qualities continue to impress at such a young age."

Port Adelaide

Connor Rozee has retained his captaincy role for a third straight season, with Zak Butters and Willem Drew his supporting cast.

"Connor, Zak and Willem have earned the opportunity to lead our playing group in 2026," General manager of football Ben Rutten said. 

“Our chosen leaders are widely respected by our players, coaches, staff and the broader Port Adelaide community. They embody our team and club values, consistently perform well on-field, and have a positive influence over those around them."

Aliir Aliir, Mitch Georgiades, Jack Lukosius and Miles Bergman make up the remaining roles in the leadership group.

Richmond

Toby Nankervis will lead the Tigers for a fifth straight season, with gun on-baller Tim Taranto elevated to vice-captain for 2026.

Nankervis was first appointed skipper in 2022, joining Dylan Grimes after Trent Cotchin stood down.

Taranto's elevation comes as he secured a second Jack Dyer Medal in three years, and is touted as the next captain of Richmond.

Jack Ross joins the leadership group for the first time, which consists of premiership players Tom Lynch, Nathan Broad and Jayden Short.

St Kilda

Callum Wilkie and Jack Sinclair have taken over as Saints co-captains for the 2026 season, filling the void left by Jack Steele, who was traded to Melbourne in the off-season.

The duo have defied the odds from rookie and mature-age selections to skippers of the Moorabbin club.

Joining them will be first-timers Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager, while Mason Wood has reprised his role in the leadership group.

"It's a positive sign for our future," St Kilda GM of Football Lenny Hayes said.

"Nas, Marcus and Mitch are highly competitive and deeply invested in this club. They challenge their teammates, demand accountability and bring energy every day.

"To see three young players step into leadership at this stage shows the direction our program is heading."

Dan Butler has made way from last year's group.

Sydney

Callum Mills has remained as sole captain of the Swans in 2026, continuing his role that he assumed in 2024, while star utility Isaac Heeney was elevated to vice-captain.

Mills has been leading the Bloods since 2022, heading up the club with Luke Parker and Dane Rampe before taking over as solo captain.

Heeney's elevation is the first time in his career after a stellar period, resulting in three All-Australian blazers in the last four years, and the past two Bob Skilton Medals.

"Since taking over the sole captaincy, Callum has led this club unbelievably well, and he's the ideal candidate to be captain again this season," Sydney coach Dean Cox said. 

"He's always been seen by players and football staff as the best person to lead this club, and despite some setbacks over the last two years, we have full confidence in his on and off-field leadership capabilities to drive this group forward.

"Isaac has had an incredible two seasons on field, and his leadership has gone to another level as well. He complements Callum perfectly with their different leadership styles, and the players voted accordingly."

West Coast

Liam Baker has been elevated to co-captain alongside Liam Duggan following the departure of Oscar Allen.

In his second season at the club, Baker has oozed leadership qualities that has been recognised by the Eagles.

"Since joining the Club, Liam Baker has had an immediate impact with his training standards, his ability to connect with teammates and all staff, and his communication and passion to see the Club achieve on-field success," Head of Football John Worsfold said.

"It was no surprise he was seen as a worthy captain through the players leadership vote."

Jake Waterman and Jack Graham have been recognised in the leadership group, as have first timers Reuben Ginbey, Matt Flynn and recruit Brandon Starcevich.

Western Bulldogs

Marcus Bontempelli has been named for 2026, with seven of his teammates making up the leadership group.

Aaron Naughton and Ed Richards have been named as vice captains, while Bailey Dale, Matt Kennedy, Tom Liberatore, Cody Weightman and Rhylee West will all have leadership roles.