Which captains should stay and go? Mick McGuane rates your club’s leaders
Mick McGuane analyses every AFL captain, and says it’s time for change at Essendon. Check out his verdict on an all 18 club skippers.
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Leadership has never been more important. But is your club getting it right?
Expert AFL analyst Mick McGuane has gone through every club’s captains and leaders to identify who should stay in the role for 2023, who might need to move on and who your club’s next skipper could be.
ADELAIDE– RORY SLOANE
Sloane seems personable and engaging, but has a hard-edge when required.
Maybe that was needed at Adelaide after its controversial 2018 camp.
Injury has diluted his on-field influence in recent years, as he has played less than half of the Crows’ games in the past three seasons. He is a spiritual, heart-and-soul leader. But is he the right person to take this rebuilding club forward, or is he better served concentrating on getting his body right again?
The next skipper
Brodie Smith is best suited to taking over as the Crows’ next captain – and it should happen sooner rather than later. Smith embodies personal adversity (with his knee issues) that will give him empathy with the playing group.
The verdict: Time for a change.
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BRISBANE – DAYNE ZORKO
Dayne Zorko’s capacity to overstep the mark was questioned again last Friday night. Poor in-game decisions come from a lack of discipline at times, which would have been challenged internally. He was once perceived as self-centred in his performance, but for the most part he has embraced the selflessness needed to become a successful captain. Becoming a multi-positional player is an example.
The next skipper
Jarryd Lyons is a quasi on-field coach and most believe Harris Andrews – a Queenslander – is the obvious candidate. But I see Hugh McCluggage as the club’s next skipper. He is 15 months younger than Andrews, plays super consistent football and looks to prepare as well as anyone.
The verdict: Baton change to McCluggage
CARLTON – PATRICK CRIPPS
He has looked at times as if he feels he has to do it all himself. But he is getting better at sharing the load, even though he was massive in the final round performance against Collingwood. He is the club’s most marketable player who is driven to succeed. He still sets high standards through his will and want to improve.
The next skipper
Cripps is the long-term leader, but Sam Walsh oozes leadership. He prepares well, has great intensity at training and has a high level of performance in games. He has a real care factor.
The verdict: No change.
COLLINGWOOD – SCOTT PENDLEBURY
Scott Pendlebury’s influence comes in many ways. He has a cool head and is composed in competitive situations. He brings flexibility, spending much of the first eight rounds in defence before reverting to his normal midfield role. Leadership is always about action, but it is also about on-field direction and guidance. He still has ability to execute as we saw from his involvement in that dramatic last minute play against Essendon in Round 19 and last week’s final play when he kicked the ball to Jamie Elliott who scored the winning goal. His leadership remains invaluable.
The next skipper
Pendles’ legacy as a player and leader will be etched in Collingwood folklore forever. His replacement comes down to Taylor Adams and Darcy Moore. One is combative and confrontational; the other is more balanced in his outlook. It will come back to which personality style best suits the group dynamics.
The verdict: If Pendles wants it, he’s likely to keep it. His status elevates if he selflessly hands it over to someone else.
ESSENDON – DYSON HEPPELL
Heppell is passionate, forthright, supportive and has a sense of team care. He has been the glue throughout the sports supplements saga and the lack of success. Gold Coast has dangled a longer-term playing-coaching carrot, so he has a big decision to make.
The next skipper
Even if Heppell stays at Essendon, there must be change in 2023. I’m torn but I would be choosing Andrew McGrath as the next skipper ahead of Zach Merrett. McGrath looks more invested in the team’s performance. His demeanour and body language doesn’t change whether playing well or poorly, whereas Merrett seems a bit more self-absorbed about his own game at times.
The verdict: Time for a change.
FREMANTLE – NAT FYFE
In an ideal world, you want your captains playing. Resilience, continuity and consistent messaging is so important. Nat Fyfe has played only 35 games in the past three seasons. On the back of him not playing, we have seen the evolution of Andrew Brayshaw, Caleb Serong and Will Brodie. Fyfe reminds me of Dermott Brereton when he looked banged up towards the end of his career. Good leaders accept where they are at, both physically and mentally, in the twilight of their footy lives – something which Fyfe must do.
The next skipper
There is a pin-up boy-in-waiting with Andrew Brayshaw. The Dockers should make him captain next year. He is a humble young star. The greatest attribute of any leader is humility. That appears to be a family trait with the Brayshaw boys. He’s ready!
The verdict: Time for a change.
GEELONG – JOEL SELWOOD
I remember watching Joel Selwood play for Sandhurst against Gisborne as a teenager, shaking his hand and telling him the AFL was waiting for him. I didn’t know he was going to play 350 games, win three flags (and maybe more) and become one of the game’s greatest captains. He is a once-in-a-generation leader who plays with hardness and spirit. The missing piece of his illustrious career is holding up the premiership cup as captain. 2022 could be that time and how fitting that would be.
The next skipper
Patrick Dangerfield has had too many recent issues with his body. Tom Stewart is the one for me. Barring one undisciplined act earlier this year, he is the one of the most respected players in the competition. Stewart came to the AFL system via South Barwon, so he understands the opportunity that has been given to him. Being grounded is an underestimated trait of great leaders.
The verdict: Captain’s call … if Joel wants it, he keeps it.
GOLD COAST – TOUK MILLER and JARROD WITTS
Call me old school, but when it comes to the best captains, I prefer one voice. Co-captain Touk Miller should be the Suns’ sole skipper. Jarrod Witts can provide some leadership without the actual title. Miller is all about the team and plays with great enthusiasm and intensity. He oozes character, and that’s important in a footy club trying to survive – and thrive – on the Gold Coast.
The next skipper
Noah Anderson, Matt Rowell and Jack Lukosius could be future leaders.
The verdict: Time for a stand-alone skipper in Touk Miller.
GWS – STEPHEN CONIGLIO, JOSH KELLY, TOBY GREENE
I don’t like two captains, let alone three, particularly when there is a standout candidate like Toby Greene. He is the Giants most marketable and most influential player. He sees life – and the game – in a different light now. I get the impression that if the Giants players had to choose only one player to lead them, it would be Greene.
The next skipper
If I was Adam Kingsley, I would be making Sam Taylor part of a succession plan to one day take over from Greene. He is composed and level headed, not dissimilar to Tom Stewart. Good defenders can be great captains. Shannon Hurn showed us that.
The verdict: Time for a stand-alone skipper in Toby Greene
HAWTHORN – BEN McEVOY (retired)
McEvoy’s retirement now opens the pathway for the Hawks to choose a long-term skipper. Who should it be? Is anyone a standout?
The next skipper
James Sicily polarises opinion, but his enthusiasm for the game and will to win is unquestionable. He still has some work to do in the leadership space. He can’t let his emotions cloud his judgment when it comes to giving away silly free kicks or 50m penalties. Knowing him from his Keilor days, it is good to see him accept feedback better than he has before. That’s the growing maturity Sam Mitchell would like to see.
The verdict: Time for change.
MELBOURNE – MAX GAWN
Sometimes resilience at an early age can create the framework to lead others. You can’t understand the plight of others until you live through something yourself, and Max knows all about the highs and lows of AFL football. He has an emotional attachment to his teammates and is a left-field character, but it just works with him. He has the ability to create a relaxed environment but can also challenge teammates.
The next skipper
It’s Clayton Oliver for me, ahead of Christian Petracca in a tight call. As much as Petracca is the most marketable of the midfield stars, Oliver’s footy IQ is off the charts. Playing with urgency and controlled aggression are so important in good leaders. Oliver has a great mix of both those attributes. Angus Brayshaw should also be considered.
The verdict: No change.
NORTH MELBOURNE – JACK ZIEBELL
Jack Ziebell has been a wonderful warrior for the Kangaroos, a bash-and-crash type who puts the team ahead of his own personal needs. While he still has a year left on his contract, he should hand over the captaincy as North Melbourne begins a new era under Alastair Clarkson.
The next skipper
Jy Simpkin is the ready-made replacement for Ziebell. Ben Cunnington made an emotional return in the last two games, but doesn’t need the extra burdens of captaincy. Simpkin shares the co vice-captaincy with Luke McDonald, who has been part of the glue in recent seasons. But Simpkin is the link to the next generation.
The verdict: Time for change.
PORT ADELAIDE – TOM JONAS
Jonas is the Nick Maxwell of Port Adelaide. He is nowhere near their best player but he is respected and leads from the front. He suits the blue-collar work ethic that is a part of Port Adelaide Football Club. I can see why Ken Hinkley made him his captain, but it might be time for a change as soon as next year.
The next skipper
One of Hinkley’s first decisions heading into 2023 should be to install Ollie Wines as the captain. Wines is about to turn 28 and is ready for the responsibility. Underneath him, there is a bloke who stands out to me as the most likely captain into the future – Zak Butters. He’ll get his chance in the future, but for now it has to be Wines.
The verdict: Time for change.
RICHMOND – DYLAN GRIMES, TOBY NANKERVIS
How do you replace a three-time premiership skipper? Well, if he happens to stay around, as Trent Cotchin has at Richmond, then you don’t really have to. You can see Cotchin still has a massive say on the field. The decision to have co-captains in Dylan Grimes and Toby Nankervis was a bit of a surprise but internally well deserved. If there wasn’t a public commitment to the captaincy, Dustin Martin would have been an option, but he prefers to remain low profile off the field.
The next skipper
The co-captains will carry on next year, not that I agree. Grimes is the main man for me. But there are some future options. The transformation of Shai Bolton is a real positive. I know potentially being the team’s best player doesn’t mean you will be a good captain, but Bolton has some special qualities.
The verdict: No change expected, even if Grimes would be my choice.
ST KILDA – JACK STEELE
Steele oozes competitiveness and has a sense of care and empathy for his teammates. As a teammate, you would want to play alongside him. He lets his footy do the talking. He has followed on from club icon Nick Riewoldt and a heart-and-soul Jarryn Geary. Now he is making his own mark
The next skipper
Given Steele will only be 27 going into next season, he looks set to be the leader for a long time to come. I can’t see the role being suited to Jade Gresham’s style, but maybe it is time he stepped up as a future option. Jack Sinclair has had a breakout season. Max King has had his challenges this season, but his potential is boundless.
The verdict: No change
SYDNEY – LUKE PARKER, DANE RAMPE, CALLUM MILLS
If I was John Longmire, I would be saying one works better than three in 2023. Rampe has been a wonderful servant, but he will be a part of a leadership change next season. Luke Parker or Callum Mills can step into being the Swans next captain. Parker epitomises the spirit and soul of the Swans. Even when he was criticised after the Dylan Shiel incident earlier this year he held firm. It’s called imposition of wills and should not be underestimated or taken away. Mills has taken his game to a new level, transforming from half-back to midfield accumulator or stopper.
The next skipper
Isaac Heeney could be a part of the group, but the leadership already being shown by Chad Warner at a young age is exciting to watch. He is a smiling assassin. The bigger the moment, the more he is willing to own and accept it. He just gets the job done.
The verdict: A change to one captain – Luke Parker.
WEST COAST – LUKE SHUEY
When Shuey is fit and firing, he is West Coast’s most important player. But the fact is he has played only 36 games in the past three seasons. Only Adam Simpson and the Eagles would know if Shuey can potentially get through a full season in 2023 as a captain needs to.
The next skipper
Tom Barrass is the right option when Shuey’s time is up. He seems to have great clout within the group, he is resilient and is a very reliable player. The Eagles have a history of backing in a defender to be the club’s leader.
The verdict: If Shuey is right to go physically, he should keep it. If not, it is time to move.
WESTERN BULLDOGS – MARCUS BONTEMPELLI
The Bont is the most impactful captain in the competition in terms of value for numbers. He doesn’t need to get 35 disposals, he can have 20 touches and cut teams apart. Bontempelli is the face of the club, a galvanising force within the playing group and he accepted under market value to commit long-term to the Western Bulldogs.
The next skipper
Bont has the job for as long as he wants it. Jack Macrae is older than Bont. Bailey Smith has some leadership ground to make up after his off-season indiscretion. Maybe Aaron Naughton is a future leader, but let’s not kid ourselves, Bontempelli – at 26 – looks to have years left in him as the skipper.
The verdict: No change
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