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?
Greater Western Sydney
Change seems to be afoot at the Giants come the end of the season.
Current captain Toby Greene has been a brilliant leader for the club during his time at the helm, but he could be looking at a move to Victorian club Geelong at the end of this year to finish off his career in his home state.
The common belief is his replacement will bear the same surname in star midfielder Tom Green.
But reports suggesting expansion club Tasmania has its eyes set on Green as a marquee signing for the club.
Key defender Sam Taylor, if he gets his body right, plays his football with a tenacity and toughness that could lead the Giants forward.
Or with one eye to the future, GWS could go early and back in midfield talent Finn Callaghan to replace its potentially outgoing skipper Greene.
