Gary Ablett was confirmed as the Gold Coast SUNS captain for 2012 when the Leadership Group was announced to fans during the Season Launch at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.

Ablett will head the GC SUNS Leadership Group which for the first time will include Karmichael Hunt and David Swallow.

Also joining the group for the first time is GC SUNS rookie Andrew McQualter. McQulater, who joined the GC SUNS via the 2011 Rookie Draft, played 89 games for St Kilda and had previously fulfilled a leadership role with Saints.

GS SUNS 2012 Leadership Group

Captain – Gary Ablett
Vice Captain – Nathan Bock
Deputy Vice Captain – Michael Rischitelli
Karmichael Hunt
Andrew McQualter
Zac Smith
David Swallow

GC SUNS coach, Guy McKenna said he Ablett once again deserved the captain’s honour.

“Gary has provided fantastic leadership since joining the club and really took this side of his game to another level in 2011 and we think he will only continue to improve.”

McKenna congratulated members of the leadership group and challenged them to drive the values of the playing group.

“All of the players in the group have been voted in by their peers and endorsed by the football department, each of them should be proud that their teammates see them as leaders, and as a football club we look forward to working with the as our team and club continues to evolve.”

With the assistance of former Sydney Swans captain Brett Kirk, the players nominated themselves or a teammate for the leadership group.

The players voted on the nominated leaders prior to the leadership group being ratified by the football department and clubs board.