Leadership groups are the trendiest phrase in football at the moment. At this time of year, clubs across the competition praise the strength of their leadership personnel. But there is no doubting their importance to a successful football club and one that’s run like a well-oiled machine.
 
Rodney Eade has been at the helm of the Gold Coast SUNS for little more than three months, but he is under no illusion the key to success is establishing a strong culture at the club.
 
The former Western Bulldogs and Sydney Swans mentor believes leadership groups can provide the entire playing list with a voice to express their views on anything and everything. Eade argues they open the lines of communication, allowing coaches and players an insight into the viewpoint of the entire football department.
 
“I think it’s vital (a strong leadership group to success). It’s sort of become a sexy phrase but really it’s a vital part of a team’s culture and a teams being,” Eade told SUNS TV.
 
“It gives the players a voice, obviously the coach is going to meet with them as a leadership group and they give me feedback - where things can improve, where things are falling down, where we’re going well, how training’s going.
 
“But, by the same token, be able to then take my voice I suppose to the players. So it’s sort of a feeding mechanism for the players to have a voice.

VIDEO: Go inside the locker room as GC SUNS coach Rodney Eade announces the 2015 leadership group.
 
“But as I said driving standards so things that aren’t acceptable for peer group pressure be able to give their teammates feedback.
 
“As a coach, if you’ve got to wheel the stick the whole time it can sort of dilute its message a bit after awhile.”
 
The SUNS announced a six-man leadership group last Friday with Gary Ablett chosen to lead the club for the fifth straight season. Elder statesman Michael Rischitelli and prized recruit Nick Malceski provide the group with a wealth of experience. Whilst emerging trio, David Swallow, Dion Prestia and Tom Lynch were all elected for a second successive year in a clear sign that the next wave of leaders at the club are on the right path.
 
Eade explained that he expected the leadership group at Metricon Stadium to drive the standards at the club. Since his arrival, he has demanded an elevated level of training, preparation and living standards.
 
“Really the leadership group have to set the standards, I think they’ve got to drive the standards with their teammates,” Eade said.
 
“Certainly actions on-field and on the training track, (they’ve) got to lead by their actions, be able to challenge.
 
“I suppose the other side of the coin is being able to reward players, be able to give feedback and accept feedback. But, really it’s about having standards around the place and those guys being able to drive those.”