SUNS forward Alex Sexton enjoyed a fruitful 2018 season personally in 2018.

The 25-year-old topped the club’s goalkicking tally with 28 majors during the year on his way to claiming the SUNS’ Most Improved award at the best and fairest.

But he’ll be playing in a dynamic new forward line in 2019 which could include top draftees Izak Rankine and Jack Lukosius, as well as highly-rate state-league prospects Josh Corbett and Chris Burgess.

After being appointed into the leadership group for 2019, Sexton says it’s going to be his responsibility to lead the way in the forward half this year.

“I’m just there as a support base, naturally I’m pretty vocal on the field,” Sexton told the media on Friday morning.

“We’ve got a lot of spark up forward so my job is pretty simple, just set them up and make them play naturally then bring what I can bring.” 

There has been plenty of hype around the Rankine/Lukosius combo in the forward half, but Sexton says he’ll be there to take the weight off their young shoulders.

“The more comfortable they can be in the forward line the better they’re going to perform.

“There’s higher expectations probably from outside the club rather than in.

“We just want them to play natural and actually feel comfortable out there.”

Sexton said the secret to unlocking his potential in 2018 came from clearer communication and consistency under a new coaching structure – and he won’t be looking to overcomplicate things this season.

“Role clarity was massive last year,” he said.

“I don’t think much changes into this year, I don’t really have to reinvent the wheel so to speak in my role.

“It’s just about being consistent with my body and staying out there which is what I focussed on last year and rewards came individually and as a team.”