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?
Port Adelaide
At 26 years of age, Connor Rozee should remain captain of the Power for a long time yet.
And while his aggressive and physical vice-captain Zak Butters appears to be out the door come season's end, Rozee has the perfect replacement in the passionate and talented Jason Horne-Francis.
Another potential option would be to promote key forward Mitch Georgiades, but he is another one that could seek a trade home to his native state of Western Australia.
One loyal Power man who has been sorely missed at AFL level is the tough and uncompromising Sam Powell-Pepper.
He plays with a Port Adelaide spirit that is hard to define in words, easier in actions.
Should Rozee decide at some point it was best for him to step aside, either pair of hyphens in Horne-Francis or Powell-Pepper would be bold options for the club.
