With leadership change looming at some clubs and long-term planning underway at others, we forecast who's next in line to captain each club in 2026 or beyond.
Some clubs have laid a solid leadership foundation as they enter, or remain in, the premiership window, while others will look to re-shuffle their leadership as they prepare to build their next premiership team.
Gold Coast:
Zeke Uwland
Noah Anderson was appointed captain of the Suns at the beginning of the 2025 season. He thrived with the added responsibility, enjoying a career-best season where he won the AFLCA Champion Player and led the Suns to their first-ever finals appearance. The Suns have found a long-term captain in Anderson as they enter the premiership window.
When the time comes, Zeke Uwland could be the man who takes over from Anderson. Uwland, the brother of Suns teammate Bodhi, was snapped up by the Suns at Pick 2 in last month's draft.
The skilful utility has been praised for his professionalism, leadership and dedication to training and study. After a back injury wiped out most of his draft year, Uwland served as a midfield coach for his Suns Academy teammates, helping them understand the team's structure. It was here Uwland learnt how to alter his feedback for different individuals. The well-spoken 18-year-old is mature beyond his years, balancing training commitments with a law degree.
These traits make Uwland an exciting on and off-field prospect for the Suns and position him as a potential future captain.
