All-Australian midfielder Touk Miller will join Jarrod Witts as Gold Coast’s newest co-captain after David Swallow chose to step down from the role.
Swallow had shared the Suns’ top job with Witts for the past three seasons – succeeding Tom Lynch and Steven May – but told his teammates on Monday morning he was handing the duties over.
Sam Collins remains as vice-captain, with Swallow and new additions Sean Lemmens, Nick Holman and Noah Anderson rounding out the seven-man leadership group.
Miller, 25, became a bona fide competition star last year in a brilliant individual season that saw him crowned club champion, and this latest honour follows five years in the club’s leadership group.
“It’s extremely humbling and obviously I’m super grateful. I have a lot of love for this club and want to serve it as best I can,” Miller said.
“I’m thrilled that the playing group and the club have put the trust in me to lead us alongside Jarrod and I’m really looking forward to what’s ahead.
“We’ve got some young leaders that are starting to emerge in both their football and off the field, which will put us in good stead for an exciting future.”
Former Magpie Witts, who will captain Gold Coast for a fourth year in a row, is on the comeback trail after suffering a season-ending knee injury last April.
“It’s a great honour, one that I’ve never taken for granted and I really cherish each moment I get to lead,” Witts said.
“We’ve got a great group of young players and I look forward to seeing the progress we can make as a team this year.
“To be announced alongside Touk, someone who has done all the work, deserves the opportunity and is ready to grab it with both hands, is a great thrill.”
The Suns’ general manager of football performance, Wayne Campbell, said Swallow’s “selfless” decision illustrated his “team-first attitude”.
“He stepped up to lead this club during a tough period and now makes the decision to put the club first and pass the baton over to Touk, to lead the club into an exciting new phase in its journey,” Campbell said.
“It’s clear to see the leadership qualities that both Jarrod and Touk have, and we’re excited by the opportunity that presents them to lead our club into the next phase of our development.”
