The elevation of Dion Prestia, Tom Lynch and David Swallow to the leadership group is the start of bigger things to come, according to Gold Coast captain Gary Ablett. 

“It’s a good sign for us, as it shows we are moving forward as a football club,” Ablett told SUNS TV.

“To have these boys stepping up into the leadership group is going to be fantastic for the rest of the players.”

On Wednesday the Gold Coast SUNS blood a new cast of youngsters into the player leadership group, with the senior list electing Prestia, Lynch and Swallow into the group. 

As they have done since the club’s inaugural season, Nathan Bock and Michael Rischitelli will retain their club leadership roles, supporting Ablett as he enters his fourth season at the helm. 

GC SUNS senior coach Guy McKenna revealed the coaching staff had received a healthy bill of leadership nomination. 

"We had 14 to 16 boys nominate for leadership roles," McKenna said.

"It's a good, balanced six as well. We've got the three existing leaders who've done a good job from the inception of the football club  and now three younger fellas who have earned their stripes over three years of playing AFL football."

On face value, there was no surprise Ablett was voted in as Gold Coast skipper by the senior players.

In September, the dual Brownlow Medallist was named All Australian Vice-Captain alongside Geelong counterpart Joel Selwood, ensuring his honourary leadership streak continued for a fourth consecutive season. 

The humbled superstar told goldcoastfc.com.au he’s honoured to be wearing the captaincy badge on his chest as part of the club’s revamped six-man leadership group. 

“It’s a definitely a big honour. 

“I’m really looking forward to the season and hopefully getting our first taste of finals footy this year.”

As he has always preached, Ablett is a massive believer of having 22 leaders on the field each week, and rarely shys away from letting his thoughts known. 

He’s confident the club’s new young leaders will be joined by many of their fellow peers in years to come.

“We need 22 leaders out there each week.

“We have three young leaders this year which is fantastic and there are others that could easily have been in it.”

“It’s an exciting time for our football club.”