LEADING THE WAY

WE LOOK AT SUNS HOPES:

STEVEN MAY THE COMPETITOR

A towering figure at the opposite end of the ground to fellow co-captain Tom Lynch, May has grown into his leadership role in recent seasons. He admits he may not have been ready to be co-captain last year but believes he is now. The 26-year-old is one of the most passionate and competitive players on the Suns list and holds himself and his teammates to account.

DAVID SWALLOW THE ACTION MAN

The tough inside midfielder leads with his actions above all else. Few throw their body into contests so selflessly as Swallow, who was a member of the club’s leadership group in 2017. Swallow overcame two seasons marred by injury to put 18 games together last year and will be looking to add to that in 2018.

MATT ROSA THE EXPERIENCE

Rosa is going into the final year of his contract and could be considering opening the door for some younger players to step into the leadership group. At 31, Rosa could play on beyond 2018 and the Suns would be eager to keep both him and Rischitelli around the group as long as possible.

MICHAEL BARLOW THE COMMUNICATOR

The midfielder was named in the leadership group in 2017 just months after arriving from Fremantle, such was the impact he made at the club. A key communicator whose experience was crucial for a young list. Barlow suffered a broken leg in Round 13 against Carlton but is already back to being the club’s leading runner.

TOUK MILLER THE PROFESSIONAL

Named in the leadership group for the first time last season, Miller is one of the obvious young leaders coming through the club. The 21-year-old former Victoria Metro captain is as professional as they come and is constantly looking for ways to improve every aspect of his game.

TOM LYNCH THE INSPIRATION

Took over from inaugural skipper Gary Ablett in 2017, with the foundation player becoming a co-captain of the club he has become the face of in recent seasons. One of the most respected figures at the club for his ability, work rate and attitude, only a brave person would back against him staying in the role in 2018 as the league awaits to see if he re-signs with the Suns.

PEARCE HANLEY THE COMPOSURE

The Irishman had an interrupted maiden season with the Suns in 2017 due to injury and the death of a brother. But when he played Hanley was one of the side’s best. With 142 games of AFL, the 29-year-old’s experience and composure make him an asset on and off the field and he could join the leadership group.

AARON YOUNG THE FRESH VOICE

Another potential new candidate for the role.

The former Port

Adelaide forward was traded to the club at the end of 2017 and has been tracking well at the Suns. With 76 games of AFL experience behind him, the 25-yearold could bring a fresh voice and ideas to the Suns should they need it.

MICHAEL RISCHITELLI THE SPIRIT

The man regarded as the heart and soul of the Suns, Rischitelli,

32, has been at the

Suns since the start and is respected by all sections of the club. He has signed for another year but it is unclear if he will play on beyond this season. He may step back from a leadership role to let another gain experience.

JARRYD LYONS THE RISING STAR

One of the best in his maiden season for the

Suns last year. The former Adelaide midfielder has cemented himself in the club’s best 22 and could be a valuable member of the leadership group. His experience will be critical in a young midfield that has lost Gary Ablett, who has returned to Geelong.