Discipline. Courage. A relentless drive for success. They’re traits shared by the eight players who will lead the Sydney Swans in 2021. 

We’ve unveiled an eight-man leadership group for the upcoming season with a combined 1417 games of experience between them. 

Josh Kennedy, Luke Parker and Dane Rampe will remain co-captains for the third consecutive year.  

They’re again joined by Callum Mills and Lance Franklin, along with three new additions: Tom Papley, Harry Cunningham, and dual Bob Skilton Medallist, Jake Lloyd. 

Kennedy, who has held a captaincy role since 2017, said it was a “tremendous honour” to lead the club once again.  

“It’s a really exciting new chapter for the club – there are a lot of new faces and I’m excited to see what we can do this year,” Kennedy said.  

“The captaincy is something I will again take with both hands and I’m really looking forward to the challenge alongside Dane and Luke.  

 “I’ve learned so many things from those two in terms of leadership, how to prepare and play, and about mindset – I could talk all day about the impact they have had on me.”  

During the challenges of the 2020 season, and in the absence of a number of senior players who were injured, Lloyd, Cunningham and Papley all stepped up and led the way by example within the playing group. 

At 24 years of age Papley may be the youngest of the three, but he made it a personal goal to give energy to the team and drive high standards among his younger teammates. He said he’s looking forward to continuing that role. 

“I’ve come a long way with my leadership,” Papley said. 

“I think I have a good relationship with everyone in the playing group and can be a sounding board for the younger players, so that’s where I like to think my leadership qualities are.” 

Lloyd, who took out the Bob Skilton Medal as Sydney Swans Club Champion for the second time in 2020, echoed Papley’s sentiments. 

"I am excited with the young group we have this year and I want to help us develop as quick as we can," Lloyd said.

Meanwhile 2018 Best Clubman and Redkite Ambassador Harry Cunningham said it was an honour to be voted in by his peers. 

“I pride myself on being a team man and selfless so it’s great to be able to hear that from teammates," Cunningham said.

"I will continue to learn off the great leaders and the captains we have at the moment."

The new eight-man leadership group take charge of the team in match simulation during Saturday morning’s training session at Lakeside Oval. 

Have you joined the club? We’d love to have you as part of the team for season 2021. To view the range of flexible membership options that cater for every situation, visit: membership.sydneyswans.com.au