Announced on Thursday night as an inaugural co-captain of the AFLW team, Sam Virgo doesn’t have to look very far for inspiration.

Virgo served as a vice-captain under fellow SUNS co-captain Leah Kaslar in 2019, and says she’s been able to take plenty from her colleague’s leadership style.

“(Leah’s) taught me a lot, I’ve loved having a front row seat into the way that she operates,” Virgo told SUNS Media.

“She’s calm, composed, aggressive and knows the moment when she’s got to stand up and is really consistent.

“I’ll look to build my own (leadership style) but I’m really looking forward to working with her and seeing how far we can take this group.”

With 15 AFLW games to her name, even without the title Virgo has been a leader amongst the SUNS group throughout the pre-season. 

The 32-year-old has been able to lend her experience to those yet to play AFLW, but admits she’s still committed to learning more about leadership along the way.

“No one’s got all of the answers,” she said.

“My leadership style is to help people along by the way that I act.

“But I’ll be looking to our leadership group as well as our staff as well as other players in the competition on how they lead and try to develop my own style but try not to go too far away from what I’m doing at the moment.” 

With the SUNS locking in the leadership group consisting of Virgo, Kaslar, Tiarna Ernst, Sally Riley and Jamie Stanton – the focus now shifts to Round 1 against GWS. 

“We’re pretty excited, I suppose it’s the first step of many” Virgo said. 

“A week and a bit to go so the excitement levels are peaking and we’re really looking forward to the season proper.”

“I’m looking forward to what we can achieve."