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?
Sydney
Midfielder-defender Callum Mills has been the captain since the start of 2022 and hasn't put a foot wrong - bar a pre-season wrestle - leading the club to two grand finals.
But in the Swans' new era under Dean Cox, the harbour-based club may look to refresh its leadership if the club falls just short for a third time in five years.
In which case, don't be surprised to hear Cox singing down the halls of the SCG, "Whoa, Errol. I would give everything just to be like him."
Sydney-born star Errol Gulden turns 24 this month and is primed to take over as captain of the club he has already won a best-and-fairest and two All-Australian blazers for.
Another star of the league who is struggling to get his body right, but would easily slot into a captaincy role once regaining full confidence in his body.
Another option would be to go with someone who perfectly represents the Bloods' culture in midfielder James Rowbottom.
