The North Melbourne Kangaroos recently named their leadership group for 2026 following Jy Simpkin's decision to step down from his role as captain after a difficult year with mental health battles, on-field performances and a failed trade exit.
It's one of the more inexperienced groups in the AFL, with 27-year-old Nick Larkey headlining the new-look six-player unit as lone captain. Young emerging superstar Harry Sheezel will remain in his position as vice-captain, while the remainder of the mix includes four first-time leaders in Luke Davies-Uniacke, Tristan Xerri, Cameron Zurhaar and Charlie Comben.
However, despite the many first-time AFL leaders, 24-year-old defender Charlie Comben believes the group have been put in good stead entering 2026, thanks to discussions had with a famous sporting figure at their Noosa-based pre-season camp.
"It's been a great camp so far. We had Keven Mealamu from the All Blacks come in," Comben told NMFC Media.
"He was a great leader there for a great number of years. He spoke to us about leadership, raising standards.
"Us as a leadership group caught up with him individually as well, so it's really beneficial for us four new guys. [We want] to drive those standards at training and off the track as well."
Those familiar with the All Blacks, particularly their World Cup winning sides, will recognise the kind of experience and wisdom Mealamu will pass on to North Melbourne's developing side, who look to finally take a leap up the ladder in 2026.
The international hooker wore the famous black jersey 132 times over an illustrious 14-year international career, which included two Rugby World Cup titles (2011, 2015). He was also an integral member of the All Blacks' famous leadership group for much of his career - values that have been widely lauded in the global sporting world.
Comben was keen to take on his messages, and expressed his excitement to be named in the club's leadership group.
"I'm really grateful to be voted in. It shows that the wider football club and teammates most importantly have faith in me," Comben said.
"I had a fairly tumultuous start to my career, so to get here now is just the beginning for me. I really want to help all the younger boys integrate in and train well.
"I'm excited to share that with the four new boys in [the leadership group] too."
Comben had another good year in defence for North Melbourne in 2025, being one of the league's leading interceptors (3.0 intercept marks per game) and was a leading spoiler for the Roos (5.4 per game), highlighting his improving aerial capabilities.
But he says the club has never looked better in a pre-season, indicating an even stronger year could be on the cards for the 2019 second-round draft selection.
"I've been here for seven years now and I genuinely feel, in hindsight, that this is the best we've trained in a long time," Comben said.
"Young boys are bringing energy, so many of them are bigger and more solid and stand up in tackles. Our standards on track have been the best they've been, so it really excites me for what's to come next year."
Comben and the Kangaroos take on Port Adelaide in Round 1 to open their 2026 campaign, clashing with the Power at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, March 15.
