Gold Coast captain Steven May insists Gary Ablett will remain an unofficial member of the SUNS leadership group, despite the former skipper's name missing from the formal list.
Ablett was a surprise omission from the seven-man group named on Tuesday morning, just months after the 32-year-old stepped aside as the club's captain.
However May has revealed that Ablett himself made the decision not to be a part of the group, and that the dual Brownlow medallist wasn't voted out by the players.
"He didn't feel he needed to be in there," May said.
READ: SUNS unveil new-look leadership group
"But it's just a matter of his preference. He wants to get his shoulder right and have a good year."
May said Ablett would still be on hand to assist him and fellow captain Tom Lynch in an unofficial eighth leadership role.
"He is still mentoring Tom and myself in the changing of the guard," May said.
"He can't just leave and not help us out.
"If there are any issues around the club that we need to get his opinion, he is more than happy to do that."
READ: Ablett among new AFL Life Members
May said he had noticed the difference already in Ablett since he relinquished the top job.
"I've just noticed at training he's got a big weight off his shoulders," May said.
"He's just focusing on his body and his football and he doesn't have to worry about all the other things that happen off the field."
