Bold shift at the top: two clubs embrace a shared leadership model for 2026 as Lachie Neale steps back from the captaincy, while a former Blue earns a surprising chance with a rival. And that’s only the start of a busy AFL news cycle.
Two clubs unveil a co-captain framework for the upcoming season, with Brisbane announcing its leadership structure after Lachie Neale relinquished the captaincy. The Lions will now be led by Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage, joining Harris Andrews as part of a refreshed eight-person leadership group that also includes Cam Rayner, Jasper Fletcher, Jarrod Berry, Will Ashcroft, and Oscar Allen. Dunkley’s elevation comes after three standout years since arriving from the Western Bulldogs in 2022, while McCluggage closes a career-best season that earned him his first All-Australian blazer. Neale had previously shared the role with Andrews for three seasons following a tumultuous off-season that prompted his decision to step down.
In other news, a former Carlton player has earned another shot in the AFL, this time with the Western Bulldogs. Will White, who appeared in 14 games for the Blues last season, has been invited to train with the Bulldogs under SSP rules after James Harmes’ retirement. White will join Will Lewis in training as the Bulldogs evaluate their options, following White’s earlier stint with Carlton and a brief period where he contended for a spot with his old club before being superseded by Wade Derksen.
Meanwhile, controversy and debate continue around individual award selections. Eddie McGuire voices his displeasure over Nick Daicos’s EJ Whitten Medal result, joking that he might “bring his own medal” to the next State of Origin match. Lachie Ash ultimately claimed the medal for best-on-ground, despite Daicos racking up 38 disposals and 13 score involvements, including a late flurry of active play. McGuire’s lighthearted jab underscores how awards can spark discussion and differing opinions about fairness and recognition.
Shifting to leadership changes at another club, St Kilda has announced its co-captains for 2026: Jack Sinclair and Cal Wilkie will share the role, supported by a six-man leadership group that includes Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Marcus Windhager, Mitch Owens, and Mason Wood. This comes after Jack Steele departed for Melbourne, ending his five-year tenure as captain. Sinclair, at 31 and with 210 games under his belt, brings reliability and leadership from the back half, while Wilkie, in his eighth season and 155 games, has established himself as a cornerstone of the Saints’ defense. Saints football boss Lenny Hayes emphasized that Sinclair and Wilkie have earned the group’s trust through consistency, resilience, and a strong team-first approach. The Saints kick off their 2026 campaign in the Opening Round against Collingwood on Sunday, March 8.
Why this matters: leadership structures shape on-field decision-making, accountability, and club culture. A three-skipper model, like Brisbane’s, signals a broader, collaborative approach to guiding a potentially premiership-ready squad. For St Kilda, elevating two veterans alongside a rising group could balance experience with fresh energy. And the ongoing discussions about awards remind us that perception, narrative, and performance all influence how players are remembered in a given season. Think about where you stand: Do you value steady veteran leadership more, or fresh, rotating voices that reflect the team’s evolving identity? Which model do you think best supports a club aiming for back-to-back premierships, and why?
