Leadership at every AFL club is different. Some teams go for a solo captain, while another decides three co-captains is best. Some teams pick their best player to lead, while others believes a trusty stalwart galvanises the group more.
However each organisation does it, like the Flying Dutchmen in Pirates of the Caribbean, every crew and ship needs a captain. And there are some mighty fine captains in the AFL.
The pinnacle is Melbourne's Max Gawn who has led his club with honour during the good times and the bad, of which there have been plenty of both.
Newcomers such as Essendon's Andrew McGrath and North Melbourne's Nick Larkey are learning how tough the job can be this season.
While two-time reigning premiers Brisbane decided to move from two co-captains to a trio in 2026 with Harris Andrews, Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley leading the charge.
But who are the next cabs of the rank at your club in terms of players that are captain material?
Melbourne
Following in 208cm Max Gawn's footsteps will be a giant task literally and metaphorically.
Not that the champion ruck looks like slowing down anytime soon as he cruises towards a record-breaking ninth All-Australian blazer.
Next cab off the rank - if he stays at the club amid trade interest - is likely midfielder Tom Sparrow.
But he is no lock for the position and there are no immediate contenders for the role which may pose a problem for Melbourne in the near future.
If Sparrow does fly back to his native state of South Australia at the end of 2026, who will take on the responsibility of leading the club after Max is 'Gawn'?
Harvey Langford is a young midfielder whose talent is immense and doesn't seem to shirk the big stage.
While it is unusual for clubs to select a position such as half-forward as its captain, Kade Chandler has had to work and grind his way across eight seasons to emerge as a genuine difference maker for the Dees.
Players taken in the rookie draft who become guns can relate to most experiences any of their teammates go through.
