Jarrod Harbrow has long been regarded as one of the most influential players at Metricon Stadium. His leadership style is 'follow my lead, not listen to my voice'. But when he speaks, the playing group listen to his every word.
 
The former Western Bulldog was appointed as the AFL Indigenous All Stars vice-captain last week, with SUNS assistant coach and All Stars coach Andy Lovell describing the recognition as a clear sign of his leadership qualities.
 
Only a couple of weeks ago, Gold Coast announced their leadership group with SUNS coach Rodney Eade revealing Harbrow elected to not be included in the formal group despite being voted in by his teammates.
 
“He’s a reluctant leader in some ways in terms of his voice and those sort of things. But gee, he leads by example amazingly well and I think the weekend was a real vote of confidence for him,” Lovell told SUNS TV.
 
“It should be a real boost in the arm for him and his leadership because he doesn’t speak a lot, but when he does the players listen and that’s important. That’s an important trait for a leader.”

VIDEO: Watch Andy Lovell's Indigenous All Stars Wrap
 
The 26-year-old is one of the elder statesmen in an emerging group in southern Queensland. As the young crop of stars at the SUNS blossom, Harbrow’s guidance and ability to educate has been crucial in their development.
 
Lovell identified this summer as Harbrow’s most impressive since he arrived on the Gold Coast at the end of the 2010 season.
 
“The way he’s gone about his pre-season has been outstanding. In my opinion, he’s probably had he’s best pre season in his time at the club. That’s a real tick for him,” Lovell said.
 
“He’s taken his training standards to another level and that’s brilliant because he’s been able to lead the way for a lot of our younger players – Indigenous and non-Indigenous – they certainly look up to him.
 
“It’s a real good chance for him to take another step in his career and take his playing standards to another level.”