The Gold Coast SUNS are pleased to confirm StreetSmarts SUNS Academy graduate Lucy Single alongside 2025 All-Australian Niamh McLaughlin will lead the SUNS again in 2026.
Across their inaugural co-captaincy campaign, the duo consistently embodied the club’s values and have continued to drive the standards over the pre-season while welcoming 11 new recruits on board.
As the first Irish-born player to captain an AFL or AFLW side, McLaughlin delivered a career-best season, earning her maiden All Australian blazer and selection in the upcoming 2026 NAB AFLW Australia v Ireland match.
The tri-code athlete shared her honour to lead alongside Single in Thursday’s team meeting.
“To co-captain again is a real honour and to have that trust from your teammates is really special for us,” McLaughlin said.
“We’ll continue to be the voice for the group. We’re going to keep challenging ourselves to be better on and off the field and challenging everyone to be better.”
“We’ve had a strong pre-season and I’m looking forward to starting our season in just a matter of weeks.”
Woven into the club’s fabric, Single reflected on her experience as the first home-grown talent to lead the Gold Coast SUNS and the opportunity that lies ahead in her sixth AFLW season.
“Niamh and I learned so much last year and we’re excited to continue leading this group in 2026,” Single shared.
“We’re a bit of a yin and yang combination. We like doing things different ways and that makes us work perfectly together.”
Elevated into the leadership group for the first time last season, Meara Girvan will join reigning Club Champion and third-year leader Charlie Rowbottom alongside newly appointed leader Maddy Brancatisano to support the duo as vice-captains.
Gold Coast SUNS General Manager of Women’s Football Erin Phillips said the club is excited for the season ahead, led by its five leaders.
“We’re excited to see Niamh and Lucy to be captaining our club for a second season, supported by Charlie, Meara and Maddy as vice-captains.
“Both Niamh and Lucy have consistently set the standard through their work ethic and commitment to bringing out the best in their teammates.
“Alongside Maddy, Meara and Charlie, each player brings their own unique strengths and attributes that will play an important role in helping our program and club to take steps forward in 2026.”
The leadership group was selected by a process involving the SUNS playing group and endorsed by Phillips, Head Coach Rhyce Shaw and club management.
The quintet are set to run out as the club’s official 2026 leaders for the first time on Saturday afternoon against Carlton in its official pre-season match.
Cheer on the SUNS at People First Stadium from 12pm with free entry available from 11:30am.
