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?
Fremantle
Alex Pearce has been an unheralded leader across the league for the past few seasons.
Many pundits were surprised at him becoming captain of the club after Nat Fyfe stepped down ahead of the 2023 season as they believed the likes of Caleb Serong or Andrew Brayshaw to be the next in line.
However, the injury-plagued but talented key defender has been a brilliant leader at the Dockers and more than a halfway captain who was holding onto the position while Serong or Brayshaw became ready.
He speaks well off the field, but on the field is where he has shown his leadership best. Winning games off his smothers, defensive efforts and sheer competitive drive.
Once Pearce has finished up as skipper, for some it would be an even bigger shock to see neither Serong or Brayshaw made captain. But spearhead key forward Josh Treacy is making a pretty strong case.
He is another who leads by example on the field with his physicality and performance. Rarely playing a bad game and often winning matches off his own boot or by floating back into defence.
