Former captain Gary Ablett has been left out of Gold Coast’s leadership group for the 2017 AFL season and ex-Docker Michael Barlow has been drafted in, without having played a game for the club.
Barlow, 29, has been voted into the group during his first pre-season with the team after being delisted by Fremantle and picked up as a free agent.
“Michael Barlow has made an immediate impact on the playing group,” Suns coach Rodney Eade said.
“Leading by example on and off the field and his elevation to the player leadership group demonstrates the influence he has had on the team in a relatively short period of time.”
Barlow and Touk Miller are the newcomers voted in by their teammates, alongside co-captains Steven May and Tom Lynch, along with Michael Rischitelli, Matt Rosa and David Swallow who were part of last year’s group.
“We are really pleased that Tom and Steven will be supported by a strong group of leaders,” Eade said.
“Michael Rischitelli, Matt Rosa and David Swallow are already established leaders at our football club and in Michael and David’s case they’ve been playing that role for some time.”
Ablett, who made the call late last year to step aside as captain before it was revealed he had requested a trade away from Gold Coast, was absent from the group altogether.
Defender Jarrod Harbrow is the other player to be dropped from last year’s leadership team.
Miller’s elevation comes after the midfielder previously formed part of the Suns’ emerging leadership group.
trubludanny
Guest
This is an absolute disgrace to the game. How can a player with such calibre be looked over for this position. If i was him i would pack up my bags and head to a great time like the bombers!
dave
Guest
While he may not be as highly rated as the big fish in the AFL,Barlow may just be the best thing thats happened for the Gold Coast.
Mick_Lions
Roar Pro
If Gaz can play 20+ games as a goal kicking half forward then the Suns could push close to the 8. 50 goals from him would be fantastic and its not like he's never done that before. The Suns do have the talent available but probably need another year or 2. I think their ideal forward line should look like this: HF: Ablett, Lynch, Day, FF: Ainsworth, Wright, Ah Chee. Obviously Ben, Peter and Callum deserve time to develop but they smell like scotch fillet with bourbon gravy to me. Salivating
Birdman
Guest
Never rated Gazza highly in the leadership stakes so regardless of who initiated his exclusion, this is the right (non) decision.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Sometimes I think I'm more Inspector Clouseau but it just makes sense that this is how its going to pan out. Start getting the red carpet ready down there. Hopefully he gets through 2017 unscathed.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
With the rise of Lachie Neale, it's been hard fitting Barlow into the starting midfield I guess and they've wanted him to take on other roles (which probably sidelined him even more as he's not playing to his strengths). When he got solid time in the middle last year it coincided with great form for both him and Freo. Unfortunately, a bung shoulder cut all that short. He's still very capable of strongly influencing games of footy out in the middle if he gets enough time there and I reckon Gold Coast will surprise a few if Mick is a regular fixture in the guts.
Craig Delaney
Roar Pro
Best thing for Ablett. Let him enjoy his footy and see what's still under the bonnet.
Wilson
Roar Guru
Fair call, if he has requested that and if he wanting to consecrate on his fitness for the next 12 months. It most likely the best for all.
Macca
Guest
Wilson - The big reason he is not in the leadership group was that he asked not to be considered (according to ABC radio's noon news bulletin). Not sure why this is even news.
TomC
Roar Guru
I've always liked him as a player. I had wondered if maybe the Suns saw him just as a stopgap while they get their new draftees up to the standard, but it seems like he's more than that. Very important to get the most out of your players. That's generally been a strength of Lyon's, but he probably could have gotten a bit more out of Barlow the last couple of years.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Columbo — looks like you were spot on the other day. :)
Wilson
Roar Guru
I think the big reason he is not in the Leadership group is that he has previously said he wanted to concentrate on getting his body right and playing 22 rounds of football after two injury-riddled years. If that is the case then he is doing is right thing for himself and the Suns Agree with PD & DC that having Barlow in the leadership group will do wonders for the Suns as a group. One thing will be interesting to see who comes out better with Harley Bennell going to Freo and Michael Barlow to the Suns.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Michael Barlow is going to be great for Gold Coast's cohesion as a team. He's a great character and he's got great character. He's the sort of bloke that people gravitate to, which is brilliant for Rocket Eade and the Suns as a team because he's an exemplary of what no fuss hard work brings. Would love him to still be at Freo.
Paul D
Roar Guru
Makes sense given that Ablett will be back at Geelong come the start of 2018. Barlow has one of the best football brains in the comp and will be an invaluable asset for the Suns. Was very glad he went there and not to Adelaide. Frankly the Gold Coast needed him a lot more than the Crows. Otherwise there's nothing to see here, just some generational change going on.