Hawks Usher in New Era with Co-Captains, Suns Bolster List for 2026 Campaign
AUSTRALIA, 24 January 2026 – The AFL pre-season has delivered major headlines for both the Hawthorn Hawks and Gold Coast Suns. Hawthorn has broken with tradition to appoint a co-captaincy duo, a historic move overshadowed by news that star midfielder Will Day will miss the first half of the season. Meanwhile, on the Gold Coast, Damien Hardwick’s side is preparing for a fresh start after a significant player turnover during the off-season.
Historic Change at Hawthorn
In a departure from a long-standing club tradition, the Hawthorn Hawks have promoted a key player to the role of co-captain for the 2026 season. The newly appointed leader, described as “incredibly humbled” by the honour, will share the leadership duties, marking a new chapter for the club as they look to climb the AFL ladder. The specific identity of the new co-captain was confirmed in club announcements earlier this week.
Significant Injury Blow for Hawks
The Hawks’ pre-season plans have been dealt a severe setback with confirmation that elite midfielder Will Day will miss approximately half of the upcoming AFL season. Day underwent surgery to address an injury, with the club and player expressing frustration at the lengthy rehabilitation timeline. His absence creates a major void in Hawthorn’s engine room for the opening rounds.
Sun’s Off-Season of Change
The Gold Coast Suns have been one of the most active clubs during the trade and free agency period. The Suns welcome a host of new faces including high-profile recruit Christian Petracca (from Melbourne) and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (from the Western Bulldogs). They have, however, seen several experienced players depart, including Ben Ainsworth, Brayden Fiorini, Sam Flanders, and veteran David Swallow, who has retired.
The Suns’ first pre-season hit-out is scheduled for Thursday 19 February at 6:45 pm, a match simulation against St Kilda at People First Stadium. Entry for fans will be free.
Club Comparison: Hawks vs Suns
| Aspect | Hawthorn Hawks | Gold Coast Suns |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Coach | To be confirmed | Damien Hardwick |
| Captain(s) | New co-captaincy model | Jarrod Witts & Noah Anderson |
| Key 2026 Ins | – | Christian Petracca, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan |
| Key 2026 Outs | – | D. Swallow (retired), B. Ainsworth, S. Flanders |
| Major Pre-Season News | Co-captain appointed; Will Day (long-term injury) | Major list overhaul; first pre-season match 19 Feb |
| Current Injury List | Will Day (long-term) | No current injuries reported |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hawthorn’s new co-captain?
The Hawthorn Football Club has appointed a new co-captain, a move that breaks from the club’s traditional single-captain model. The player’s identity was announced earlier this week, with the individual expressing humility at being entrusted with the leadership role.
How will Hawthorn cover for Will Day’s absence?
With Will Day sidelined until midway through the 2026 season, Hawthorn’s midfield depth will be severely tested. The responsibility is likely to fall on a combination of experienced players and emerging youngsters to step up and fill the significant gap left by one of their most important players.
What are expectations for Gold Coast in 2026?
After a major list reshuffle that brought in elite talent like Christian Petracca, expectations at the Gold Coast Suns will be higher than in recent seasons. Under coach Damien Hardwick, the Suns will be aiming to convert their promising young list and new acquisitions into a more consistent and competitive outfit, with an eye on pushing for finals contention.