Unlike many other professional sports leagues around the world, the AFL has the honour and tradition of selecting a player to officially lead their sides.

This honour comes with the responsibility to represent the club's values, lead by example, and handle most media-related spotlights.

Many great players have been elevated to this position, with some being able to thrive under the pressure while others falter under the expectations that come with it.

I will be assessing this list based on the player's current footy form and the leadership traits they exhibit on and off the field.

Players like Jai Newcombe, Callum Wilkie and Andrew McGrath will miss out with little sample size after only just starting their captaincies this season.

2Max Gawn

Goodwin "rapt" by players' efforts, "connection" on field
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 23: Max Gawn of the Demons lead the team off the ground after the round two AFL match between Hawthorn Hawks and Melbourne Demons at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on March 23, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

You can't talk about Melbourne without mentioning Max Gawn, who is on the track to become one of, if not the club's best ever player. Gawn has captained since 2020, including the club's 2021 premiership and has tied the record with the most All-Australian selections at eight. His accolades speak for themselves and to top all of that, he's even playing arguably the best footy of his career right now.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION