There’s no one in the AFLW competition with the quite the same experience as Jamie Stanton.

The 24-year-old was inducted into the SUNS’ leadership group last week, about to embark on her fourth AFLW season.

But what makes Stanton’s history so interesting is the fact she has been on three AFLW lists in those four years. 

It’s her first time in a leadership group after two years at Brisbane and one at North Melbourne, and the midfielder said she was ready to challenge herself in her new role.

“Obviously I’ve been in the league for a couple of years now so it was a really nice achievement to be stepping up to the next level,” Stanton told SUNS Media. 

“Just having a little bit of experience over some of the girls probably puts that natural progression in.

“But you’ve got to wait and see if (leadership) fits you.” 

Stanton says she’s been able to draw on each of her experiences at different AFLW clubs to help guide the club in its inaugural season.

“I’ve been really lucky to be a part of three clubs now so I’ve been able to take a little bit from all those clubs and everything that they do well and bring it to us,” she said.

“Integration has been a big one across all clubs and I think that’s what we all strive to be is one club.

“I think we’re doing a really good job here.” 

There’s less than 72 hours until the SUNS run out for the first time at Blacktown, and Stanton said the excitement was palpable. 

“There’s obviously a bit of a buzz because Round 1 is our first time to step out there and create our own history so the girls are really up and about,” Stanton said. 

“I think as an expansion club you want to be really competitive and I think this weekend is our first chance to show that.

“We have that ability to be competitive, if not elite in the competition.”