Hawthorn's Jai Newcombe said it didn't feel real sitting alongside the 17 other captains on Monday, but holding the premiership cup was "something to aspire for".
Newcombe's rise to co-captain of the Hawks, alongside James Sicily, wasn't in the purview of the Poowong local, who was plucked from country Victoria to the big time in the 2021 Mid-Season Draft.
Since then, the uncompromising on-baller has emerged as one of the competition's most exciting players.
Despite the late start, Newcombe has tallied over 100 games and earned a Peter Crimmins medal, with his eyes still firmly on the ultimate prize.
"It's a nice story," Newcombe told Zero Hanger. "It's continuing to evolve."
"There's a lot left still to write. It's been a pleasant journey so far. I've been very fortunate with how things have panned out for me.
"Lucky that I've been able to land at a club that has set me up for these things."
The co-captaincy call was a historic move for the club, but presented the best model going forward.
"It's a nice feeling. It's great to have the backing of your teammates," Newcombe added.
"To be in the position I am, it's going to complement each other really nicely. The way (James Sicily) sees the game is quite impressive, and is something I'm going to lean on for sure."
As the Hawks enter a new era with dual captains, coach Sam Mitchell has also undertaken a left-field approach with his use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Mitchell is known for his unique and out-of-the-box thinking. But the use of AI has taken it to a whole new realm.
"I don't mind it. I'm not a massive user myself, but he's all about it," Newcombe said.
"I mean, it's kind of silly not to in a way. It's helping him, it's helping us. It's not changing our game plan. It's more around education and the best way to draw things out of people, how to set up meetings.
"If it can help us in any way, then we're all for it."
Newcombe and the Hawks will get one final tune-up against the Western Bulldogs on Friday before an Opening Round clash in the heartland of GWS.
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