The Suns have appointed Noah Anderson to lead the club in 2025 and beyond, with the 23-year-old becoming the first sole captain since Gary Ablett Jnr, whose tenure as skipper ended in 2016.
The leadership restructuring means a three-season term of co-captaincy held by Jarrod Witts and Touk Miller comes to a close, with the star ruck and midfield duo leading the club since 2022.
Witts had previously co-captained alongside David Swallow too, with his service beginning in 2019.
Anderson has flourished since joining the Suns as Pick 2 in the 2020 AFL draft, already amassing over 100 games after just five years in the AFL system.
In 2024, Anderson continued to improve his output, averaging career-high disposals (29 per game) and inside 50s (six per game).
At just 23 years of age, Anderson becomes the youngest current captain in the competition, however, he will be surrounded by veteran leaders. Miller retains a leadership position as vice-captain, alongside Sam Collins who has held the role since 2021.
Ben King, Matt Rowell and Wil Powell, gun players across each line of the field, finalise the leadership group formation.
Anderson said he was honoured to take charge of the Suns, who are embracing a refreshed environment following the arrival of new head coach Damien Hardwick in 2024, as well as a complete overhaul of their club branding.
"I'm so proud to be able to represent this club as captain after all they have invested in me both as a player and a person," Anderson said.
"The Suns mean everything to me and I love coming to work every day with this group of players.
"I am committed to giving everything I can to help lead this club and deliver on our mission to bring success to the Gold Coast."
While Miller retains a formal leadership position, Witts has stepped down from the elevated duties, as he reaches the latter stages of his career. However, the 32-year-old's experience will remain impactful as he looks likely to maintain his number one ruck role.
Anderson said the ex-co-captains have been influential on his growth as a leader at the club.
"I would like to thank both Jarrod and Touk for everything they have given our club as leaders in recent years," Anderson said.
"Their impact on our club can never be overstated and they have had a profound impact on me as a player, person and a leader.
"The people who showed me what it means to be a Sun are people like Jarrod, Touk and David Swallow. I'm driven everyday to see success for not only them, but our members and fans too."
Following his appointment as the Suns' captain, Anderson has assumed the responsibility of convincing his great mate and teammate Rowell to stay put.
The bullocking midfielder has already received interest from Geelong, Collingwood and Essendon while St Kilda is no doubt in the market for the 23-year-old.
"It's definitely not unsettling," Anderson said of Rowell's uncertain future.
"It's a business and he's a really good player, so these conversations are going to happen.
"He's extremely important. He demands respect by the way he plays – he's probably one of, if not the best, most competitive beasts in the AFL."
"I've got extreme confidence ... he loves playing footy for this club and the connections are so strong.
"I think both of us feel a responsibility to help bring this club success."
Gold Coast football boss Wayne Campbell commended Anderson's appointment and thanked Miller and Witts for their service.
“We're thrilled for Noah to be given the opportunity to lead our club and know he is ready for the responsibility that comes with the role,” Campbell said.
“Our club has a great depth of leadership and we are confident Noah will be supported extremely well by the experience Touk and Sam can provide as vice-captains.”
“Ben, Matt and Wil thoroughly deserve their elevation to the leadership group. All three have worked hard to develop their leadership capabilities in recent years and it is fitting they be recognised with the opportunity to play an influential role within the group.
“Jarrod is our longest-serving captain and we want to acknowledge the role he has played in guiding this football club through a difficult period. It's also important to recognise Touk's impact on our club as captain for the last three years, and he will continue to provide vital experience and support to Noah in his role as vice-captain.
“As we head into a new era for our football club, it is important we reflect that transition with a strong leadership group who can lead this club in a fearless new direction.”
Anderson will first lead the Suns in their practice games against Brisbane and Collingwood, a three-team scratch match, and Sydney in the Community Series. His first official match as captain will come against Essendon on Saturday night of Opening Round.
