How long have Taylor Walker and Rory Sloane got? 
The co-captaincy will likely continue for at least another year, but there's a chance Walker steps aside to concentrate on regaining his best form. Walker was the sole skipper from 2015-18 before sharing the role with Sloane this season. Both are 29.

Next in line: 
Sloane is favoured to be the stand-alone captain before his long-term contract expires in 2023. Once Sloane feels the time is right to pass the baton on, then midfielder Matt Crouch, 24, is the logical choice. He's been in the leadership group for the past two seasons and was the club's best and fairest in 2018.

Left-field selection: 
Forward Tom Lynch has been in the Crows' leadership group for the past three years, and captained the club at times last year when Walker and Sloane were injured. Highly respected among his teammates, Lynch's age – he turns 29 in September – would be the only reason he doesn't succeed Sloane. - Lee Gaskin

How long has Dayne Zorko got? 
The job is Zorko's for as long as he plays. Now 30, the four-time best and fairest winner shows no sign of slowing down and looks to have another three or four seasons left in him. This is his first year in the role and it's been a raging success.

Next in line: 
It'll be a tight call with Jarrod Berry also in the frame, but Harris Andrews (pictured below) is the man. Already the vice-captain, Andrews is 22 and will be in the prime of his career when Zorko finishes up – and still have a long tenure in front of him. Andrews is known as 'dad' around the club, a nod to his maturity and the respect among his peers. 

Left-field selection: 
Not currently in the leadership group, 20-year-old Alex Witherden has the potential to climb the ranks. He's cheeky and popular, and above all else has a good brain for the game and is an excellent communicator. - Michael Whiting

THE RUN HOME Who'll play off for September glory?

How long have Patrick Cripps and Sam Docherty got? 
As long as they want. They've enjoyed, and endured, different first years as the club's co-captains. Cripps has been a commanding on-field figure, while Docherty has been forced to provide leadership away from the park due to his knee injury. But both have the full respect of the playing group and will be in the position as joint skippers for a long time to come.

Next in line: 
It's hard to find a fault with Sam Walsh. While his on-field stuff has been superb this season, his professionalism and leadership among the group has also seen him become one of the club's most respected players. Cripps and Docherty will be in their position for the foreseeable future, but Walsh appears a likely option down the line.

Left-field selection: 
Lachie Plowman was a member of the club's leadership group last year and is highly respected within the playing group. Aside from him, is Stephen Coniglio a very, very, very left-field candidate? - Riley Beveridge

How long has Scott Pendlebury got? 
Probably as long as he wants. The champion midfielder will turn 32 in January and, given his form, could play for another two or three seasons. Another year in charge would give him the record for the most games as Collingwood captain, overtaking his coach Nathan Buckley's tally of 161.

Next in line: 
It might depend on when Pendlebury relinquishes the role. If he steps down at the end of next year, the favourite would likely be vice-captain Steele Sidebottom (29 in January). But if it's two years down the track, fellow leadership group member Taylor Adams (26 in September) might be ready to assume the mantle.

Left-field selection: 
Darcy Moore would first need to arrest his hamstring issues but in two years' time he could be the game's best defender and a superstar. The 23-year-old is a deep thinker and a considered, articulate speaker whose opinion carries weight among the playing group. His father Peter captained the club in 1981-82. - Ben Collins

How long has Dyson Heppell got? 
Heppell took over the job at the start of 2017, when he and his teammates returned to football after being suspended for the 2016 season for anti-doping breaches. He has been a leader since he stepped into the club as a draftee at the end of 2010 and at only 27, would be expected to carry on in the role for at least two more years, and perhaps longer.

Next in line: 
Zach Merrett is the club's vice-captain and has been leading the Bombers in Heppell's recent absences with his foot injury. Given his age (he is 23), his quality as a player, consistency and durability, he looms as the next Essendon skipper. He led the Bombers for the first time as captain in round 21, 2016, when he gathered 38 disposals and helped steer the depleted Bombers to only their second win of that season. He was 20 at the time, making him the youngest Essendon skipper since 1982.

Left-field selection: 
It seems a matter of when, and not if, Andrew McGrath will captain Essendon. He was a captain throughout his junior career (even school captain at Brighton Grammar) and is a well-liked, popular, respected and dedicated player at Tullamarine. If Heppell's stint as skipper extends to as long as four more years, McGrath could even jump ahead of Merrett. - Callum Twomey

How long has Nat Fyfe got? 
Fyfe was overlooked as Matthew Pavlich's successor but took the reins after David Mundy's one year as skipper ahead of the 2017 season, heralding a changing of the guard from one era to the next. The superstar midfielder, who turns 28 next month, is Freo's undisputed best player and leader of the young group. The job will be his for the foreseeable future. 

Next in line: 
There aren't many among the next generation who scream leadership potential, except for second-year midfielder Andy Brayshaw. The 19-year-old was touted as a future captain before he was drafted and his fearless play, articulate public appearances and cool head amid the Andrew Gaff saga has only enhanced those perceptions. An eventual co-captain succession plan with Fyfe looks possible. 

Left-field selection: 
Connor Blakely is cut from a slightly different cloth to most footballers and is highly respected inside and outside the Dockers. He's tough, selfless, a natural footballer, committed to Freo and speaks well. It's a good mix for a future skipper. - Travis King

How long has Joel Selwood got? 
Needs 47 more matches to break Stephen Kernahan's 226-game record for most matches captained. With at least five games to go this season, Selwood is on track to break the feat in 2021 – the final season of his current contract and a year in which he turns 33.

Next in line: 
Just three seasons into his AFL career, All Australian Tom Stewart is the bolter in the pack. Added to the leadership group this year, the 26-year-old joined the AFLW coaching panel for the Cats' inaugural season in 2019 and has gained instant respect with his maturity. Once a tradesman who has admitted to enjoying himself off-field, Stewart now consumes books in his downtime. 

Left-field selection: 
Dual best and fairest Mark Blicavs is backing up his work on-field as a strong figure off it. Was this year elevated to vice-captain alongside Patrick Dangerfield. - Mitch Cleary

How long have Jarrod Witts and David Swallow got? 
The co-captains are in their first season in charge and could not be doing more. They have led by example – arguably running one-two in the best and fairest – and been exemplary behind closed doors and on the field in a difficult year. They're both 26 and signed five-year contracts, so expect this pair to be in charge for a while yet. 

Next in line: 
It's tricky to predict with Witts and Swallow set for long reigns, but the best bet is Touk Miller. The workaholic midfielder is the vice-captain and at only 23 years of age, still has plenty of years to grow. Brayden Fiorini (22) has a big voice among the group and would be another worthy candidate. 

Left-field selection: 
Jack Bowes is not in the leadership group yet, but you can expect that to change soon. Just 21, the former No.10 draft pick has improved his leadership markedly in the past 12 months. - Michael Whiting

How long have Callan Ward and Phil Davis got? 
There doesn't appear to be any real need for change in the short term, with Ward (29) and Davis (28) in their prime and proving to be outstanding leaders on and off the field, especially over the past three seasons. The inaugural GWS skippers are equal with Geelong's Joel Selwood for longest-serving captains.

Next in line: 
Vice-captain Stephen Coniglio has shown his leadership potential from the moment he walked into the club. There's little doubt he could step in from next season but at just 25 there's no rush, and he could share the job with Davis or Ward for a year or two before they release the reins. Coniglio is much-loved by the players and hugely respected by everyone at the club for the work his does on and off the field as a player, and clubman.

Left-field selection: 
Toby Greene. If anyone rivals Coniglio for the title of the Giants' spiritual leader, it's his good mate Greene. If Coniglio leaves at the end of the season, which is highly unlikely, the original Giant could do the job. – Adam Curley

How long has Ben Stratton got? 
A surprise appointment as the club's captain this season, the Hawks have said publicly that Stratton took some time to adjust to his new role. The star defender will be 31 by the start of next season, but should hold his position as skipper for at least another year. Something to keep in mind is that Luke Hodge is the only Hawthorn captain to have been in the role for longer than three years since Shane Crawford relinquished the position in 2004.

Next in line: 
It could be one of a number of players, given there was such a diverse mix in the running to become Hawthorn's skipper this year. Jack Gunston is currently vice-captain and would throw his hat in the ring, while Liam Shiels has also been touted as a future leader by many within the club. Isaac Smith and Jaeger O'Meara are also members of the leadership group that would have captaincy aspirations. Tom Mitchell wasn't selected in that six-man leadership group, but the rumblings leading into Hawthorn's announcement was that the reigning Brownlow Medal winner was a genuine chance to become its skipper. 

Left-field selection: 
Don't rule out James Sicily. Renowned externally for his short fuse, the star defender is a respected figure within the Hawthorn playing group. His leadership abilities, both on and off the field, continue to grow. He might appear to be the most left-field captaincy candidate in a long time, but don't be shocked if he's around the mark. - Riley Beveridge

How long have Nathan Jones and Jack Viney got?
Jones has led the Dees since 2014 and has been an important figure during grim times but at 31 and with his form slipping, it makes sense for him to give the role up. Viney, 25, is as passionate a figure as there is at Melbourne and could continue, although considering the tough onballer's battles with staying healthy throughout his career, the club may opt to have him share the job again in 2020.

Next in line: 
There's an obvious name that wouldn't have been obvious at all a few years ago – Max Gawn. He's one of the best players in the competition and despite his side's struggles, has continued to star. It would be a stunning rise for the big man who has dealt with two knee reconstructions and was once caught smoking on his way to training, but there's no doubt he's a leader at the Dees. 

Left-field selection: 
It wouldn't be considered for a while but Jake Lever is a mature character who has long had leadership capabilities, going back to before he was drafted by Adelaide. After returning from a left knee reconstruction this season and having dealt with a couple of niggles, he probably needs to prove his durability first though. - Dinny Navaratnam

How long has Jack Ziebell got? 
Ziebell is in his third season in charge, since inheriting the captaincy from Andrew Swallow. He leads by example on the field, speaks well off it and is one of the club's best, most physical players. The job's his for the foreseeable future.

Next in line: 
The obvious one here is Ben Brown. He's the Roos' gun spearhead, a perennial Coleman Medal contender and regular go-to guy for the club's media team when they need a 'talking head'. Brown is in the right age demographic at 26, about two years younger than Ziebell, and, by all reports, is a cleanskin off the ground, too.

Left-field selection: 
Trent Dumont is rated highly internally for his leadership and might even be a contender to be Ziebell's successor, depending on what happens in the next couple of seasons. - Marc McGowan

How long have Tom Jonas and Ollie Wines got? 
It's hard to see the Power veering away from the co-captaincy model of Jonas, 28, and Wines, 24. The members were upset when the club broke with tradition, but it's been a smart choice this season. Jonas has been reliable in defence, while Wines has had a disrupted season with injury.

Next in line: 
It's all but guaranteed that Wines – who turns 25 in October and is contracted until 2022 – will be the stand-alone skipper at some point. Swingman Dougal Howard, 23, is an emerging leader at the club and captained the team when Wines and Jonas were sidelined for a game this season.

Left-field selection: 
Defender Ryan Burton, 22, has slotted in seamlessly at the Power after coming across from Hawthorn. He could be considered a long-term captaincy option. – Lee Gaskin

How long has Trent Cotchin got? 
At 29, Cotchin has at least three to four years ahead of him as skipper. The sticking point will be if, having captained since 2013 at the age of just 22, Cotchin would prefer to just focus on his football in the latter years of his career.  

Next in line: 
Richmond's recent injury crisis saw Shane Edwards (turning 31) and Dustin Martin (28) as acting skippers, but the Tigers are likely to look younger. Enter Nick Vlastuin. The well-spoken 25-year-old has captained Vic Metro and is a leader in defence, who can be relied upon to stand up in times of need. 

Left-field selection: 
Richmond already has a former skipper on its list in Tom Lynch. The star forward was a co-captain at the Suns and has plenty of years at Tigerland ahead of him. Another to keep an eye on in the future is youngster Jack Ross. - Sarah Black.

BARRETT Rance still hell-bent on finals return

How long has Jarryn Geary got? 
It's been a pretty tough run for the hard-nosed backman as skipper. Last season, the team was abysmal and this year, the defender's third in charge, four surgeries for compartment syndrome in his right thigh, and then a broken left leg in his comeback game, has meant the 31-year-old has been barely sighted. If he stays on in the role, it will likely be for only another 12 months. 

Next in line: 
Vice-captain Seb Ross is held in high regard at Moorabbin and seems the obvious choice. He's consistent, durable and has been skipper for much of 2019 in Geary's absence. The onballer would follow in Geary's vein in that he would have one of the lowest profiles among the competition's captains but the club isn't stocked with a host of options.

Left-field selection: 
This option would be a long way down the track but Max King (pictured below), who is injured and yet to debut, is mature, well-spoken and if his body holds up, seems destined to be an outstanding player. The club's second pick from last year's NAB AFL Draft, Jack Bytel, has also shown some of the necessary personality traits while sidelined with a back injury. - Dinny Navaratnam

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How long have Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and Dane Rampe got? 
The trio has only been in the job together for one season, and they've done extremely well to lead the club through a tough year. At 31, Kennedy might choose to step down this year or at the end of next season, to let Parker (26) and Rampe (29) carry on until he retires.

Next in line: 
Luke Parker. Will share the role until Kennedy and Rampe finish up and take the club into the future where a transition period awaits, and a host of young Swans will be ready to take over. Parker leads by example on the field and from a young age has helped drive the standards at the club.

Left-field selection: 
Callum Mills (pictured below). If Kennedy, Rampe and Parker continue for a few years, Mills could take over as a stand-alone skipper. He's still only 22 and is already in the club's leadership group. – Adam Curley

How long has Shannon Hurn got? 
This year marked the fifth season in the job for the premiership skipper, who has done it his way to great acclaim. Hurn turns 32 in September and while he is in career-best form, a couple of niggles recently are reminders he can't play forever. The conversation about the captaincy could be held at season's end, but if Hurn wanted to stay in the role he'd likely continue in 2020.

Next in line: 
Josh Kennedy and Luke Shuey share the vice-captaincy and the latter has long been earmarked as the next in line for the top job. Shuey is clean-cut, popular, professional and an absolute star of the competition who leads by example, with an innate ability to stand up when the Eagles really need him, with  some of his most memorable performances coming in crunch games and finals away from home. Already 29, his tenure as skipper might not last long but he would be a worthy successor to Hurn. 

Left-field selection: 
Jeremy McGovern might come across like a laid-back larrikin but the three-time All Australian is an astute footballer and long-time member of the leadership group. The 27-year-old commands respect with his performances and could be a popular choice, along similar lines to Ben Stratton at Hawthorn. - Travis King

How long has Easton Wood got? 
Wood's greatest moment as the captain of the Western Bulldogs came when he was actually a stand-in for Robert Murphy for the 2016 premiership. Wood officially became captain at the start of 2018. He'll turn 30 in September so he might have another couple of years left. 

Next in line: 
Is there a more obvious choice for next captain across the League than current superstar Marcus Bontempelli? With Murphy and Wood missing a game against the Eagles in 2016, Bontempelli became the youngest player in VFL/AFL history to captain a side to victory at 20 years and 194 days of age. Eloquent speaker off-field, leader by actions on-field and a brilliant role model for kids – it's a no-brainer to go with the current vice-captain.

Left-field selection: 
Aaron Naughton could be one out of the box in the future. His play lifts those around him and he's already a fan favourite. He could end up being added to the leadership group in the next couple of years.  - Jourdan Canil