Alex Sexton will lead the Gold Coast SUNS VFL side as captain in 2026, continuing a 15-year stint with the club and utilising a wealth of professional footy experience in a key development role within the club.

After debuting in 2012, playing 186 games for the SUNS and kicking 164 career goals, the Gold Coast veteran has taken on an active role in the club, both on-field as VFL captain and off-field as a coach in a development capacity.

The decision to return to the SUNS in a newfound capacity came as a no-brainer to the SUNS life member, as it would allow him to build upon his coaching abilities as well as continue to play the game he loves.

“I get the best of both worlds. The opportunity has let me start my coaching journey while still being involved on the field,” Sexton said.

“I have been dabbling in coaching over the past few years, and the club’s programs, including AFLW, VFL and the StreetSmarts SUNS Academy, have been really welcoming of this so knowing I had their support also helped my decision.”

Sexton is one of several SUNS fan favourites set to be seen frequently in the VFL in 2026.

The 2025 season marked the end of David Swallow’s immense AFL career and he too has remained involved at the club in both a commercial and development capacity.

“Dave and I were both talking about the opportunity to come back to the club, and we have had our whole career together, so that was a huge factor in my return,” the VFL skipper said. 

“It’s cool that we are going to be able to continue the relationship we have built over the years and now work beside each other.

“Dave is a great human and also an excellent player, so it’s going to be fun this year in the VFL.”    

The club's VFL program is key for player's development and understanding of the SUNS system. Between Sexton and Swallow, as well Hugh Greenwood and James Tsitas, who are part of the development crew, they amass 40 years of professional footy experience, invaluable for mentoring the next generation of talent.

“As a development crew, we have a really good relationship and the ability to bounce off one another, which in form allows us to bounce off the group. Hopefully, this lets us build positive relationships with the boys, so they feel comfortable coming to us when they need advice,” Sexton said.

“I feel like with our experience, we are able to recognise and understand what the young guys are facing early in their careers and are able to help them as we have gone through it too.

“Personally, I am able to pick up on the trend of a player, how they’re feeling and going, which is just as important as the skills of the game.”

SUNS fans will see Sexton lead out the VFL side for its first official hit in Round 1 against Werribee Tigers on Sunday at People First Stadium. 

“There is a great mix of experience and young talent on the team, and we’re keen to get playing for some points,” the captain said.

“It will be a good chance to showcase what we have worked on in the pre-season and practice matches, and everyone’s ready to embrace playing an opposition.

“I feel being on the field with the boys is really important in terms of being able to lead effectively and help the team develop, so I am really looking forward to it.”

Catch the Smithy’s VFL action with free entry through Gate 5 at People First Stadium from 10:30am AEST - no tickets required.