Incumbent SUNS AFLW vice-captain Jac Dupuy says her new leadership position is simplified when the squad boasts ’30 leaders on its list.’

Dupuy was elevated into the leadership group for the first time in 2023, joining Bess Keaney as the side’s two vice-captains for 2023, deputising captain Tara Bohanna.

Heading into her third AFLW season at the SUNS, the former Season Six Coach’s Award recipient is looking forward to the new challenge. 

“It’s a huge honour and privilege to be a leader amongst this group, particularly as we have 30 leaders on the list,” Dupuy said.

“The leadership group is stellar in itself, for me it’s about playing my role and doing that as well as I can and bring others along with me.”

The SUNS are in the middle of Week 6 of its pre-season preparations with a season start date penned in for early September.

While the clubs await a fixture for the 2023 season, Dupuy says the SUNS are well-placed to hit the ground running come the opening round.

“We’ve recruited really well, but that also speaks to the culture that we’ve built over the last few seasons to solidify how we want to operate in the club,” she added.

“Based on what we’re seeing on the track, it does very much feel like we’ve picked up where we left off and being able to improve on that and go that next mile for us.

“You always want to feel like you’re in good touch in prep-season. We’re not getting ahead of ourselves, but it’s just about staying on course, honing in on the skills and fitness.”

It’s that focus to detail that could prove the difference for the SUNS with a number of rule changes opening up an element of unknown for AFLW sides.

Quarters have been increased to 15 minutes plus time on for goals or major injuries only, and the existing additional two minutes plus time on for match stoppages, goals or major injuries.

A 60-rotation interchange cap has also been introduced as has changes to field access for runners and the interval duration between quarters.

“The rule changes will make those kinds of things critical so that’s what we’re focusing on.”