Brisbane is aiming for an unprecedented three-peat in the upcoming AFL season, and they’ve opted for a unique leadership structure to help achieve it. The club has announced a trio of co-captains – Harris Andrews, Hugh McCluggage, and Josh Dunkley – who will share the leadership duties as the Lions chase a historic third consecutive premiership.
This significant shift in leadership comes after Lachie Neale relinquished his co-captaincy role in January. Neale, who had shared the captaincy with Andrews, stepped down following a public and tumultuous personal matter. His departure created a leadership vacuum, and while the club considered various options, including a sole captain or elevating one of the vice-captains, the decision was made to entrust the role to three individuals.
Interestingly, Neale does not feature in the Lions’ expanded leadership group for the upcoming season. This group includes a notable new recruit, former West Coast captain Oscar Allen, alongside established leaders Jarrod Berry, Cam Rayner, Jaspa Fletcher, and Will Ashcroft.
A “Winning Formula” with a Twist
Brisbane’s senior coach, Chris Fagan, has historically expressed a preference for a single captain. However, he acknowledged the unique circumstances and the desire not to disrupt a successful team dynamic. Fagan stated that the club found itself in a position with three highly capable individuals who could all excel as captains.
“It was quite unique to have three guys that are more than capable of being great captains at your one club at the one time,” Fagan remarked in a statement. “If you have three good people then why not have three captains.”
He further elaborated on the philosophy behind this decision, emphasizing the importance of teamwork in leadership. “For us, leadership is a teamwork thing so to have three captains reinforces that philosophy and we work really hard to build leadership density at our footy club. These three are our best trademark players, they are fine young men, they are different personalities, so they bring different strengths to the table.”
Complementary Strengths for the Captaincy
Coach Fagan identified distinct leadership qualities within the newly appointed co-captains, highlighting how their individual strengths complement each other.
Harris Andrews: “The Thinker”
Andrews, widely regarded as one of the premier defenders in the AFL and a three-time All-Australian, has been a co-captain since 2023. His analytical approach and strategic mind are seen as crucial in navigating the pressures of a premiership defence.Hugh McCluggage: “The Emotional Intelligence”
The classy midfielder/winger, McCluggage, brings a different but equally vital dimension to the captaincy. At 27 years old, he has amassed 209 games and earned All-Australian honours last year. His ability to connect with teammates and understand the emotional pulse of the group is seen as a significant asset. He has served as vice-captain since 2023.Josh Dunkley: “The Enforcer”
Dunkley, a hard-nosed midfielder, has been instrumental in Brisbane’s recent success since his arrival at the end of 2022. Coach Fagan has previously drawn parallels between Dunkley and Hawthorn’s triple-premiership skipper Luke Hodge, underscoring his tough, no-nonsense approach. The 29-year-old, a former Western Bulldogs star, was the recipient of Brisbane’s best and fairest award in their premiership-winning season last year, epitomising his impact and influence on the field.
Kicking Off the Title Defence
The Brisbane Lions will commence their quest for a historic three-peat on March 7th, hosting the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba. The appointment of these three co-captains signals a clear commitment to a collective leadership model, aiming to harness the diverse talents and strengths of Andrews, McCluggage, and Dunkley to inspire the team throughout the demanding season ahead. The club is clearly banking on this innovative approach to maintain their dominance in the AFL.
