When the Gold Coast SUNS announced their leadership group last week, there was little surprise to see the emerging trio of David Swallow, Tom Lynch and Dion Prestia voted in for a second successive year.

The triad are all just 22 years of age, but all three have established themselves as bona fide stars in the game, capable of carving out long, decorated careers. The three ascended the podium in last season’s best and fairest count, with Swallow edging out Lynch and Prestia to dethrone Gary Ablett as club champion for the first time.

SUNS coach Rodney Eade may have only been at Metricon Stadium for a handful of months, but the experienced mentor is confident in the club's future leaders.

The age gap between captain Ablett and the trio is wide, very wide, but there’s no urgency in anointing his successor. When the time is right, one of three will be more than capable to become the club’s second captain.

In a candid discussion regarding the state of the club's leadership, Eade outlined the diverse traits found in the SUNS triad.

“I think Dion’s got a more natural take (on leadership). He’s a bit more of a challenging type, he’s a bit more call it as he sees it,” Eade told SUNS TV.

“David’s a bit more of the helpful type, he wants to assist players and support players which is great – especially on-field with the younger players he’s been fantastic and off-field as well.

“Tom Lynch is by actions a great trainer but he’s getting more comfortable (as a leader). I think he wants to be able to challenge, but being able to learn the right way but that’s what happens but he is only 22 years of age.

“These guys are reasonably young but they’ve certainly got some great traits.”

The top three placegetters at the 2014 GC SUNS Club Champion awards night.