Connor Rozee will lead Port Adelaide’s AFL side as captain for the third consecutive season, with co-vice-captains Zak Butters and Willem Drew to be his right-hand men. 

Twenty-five-year-old Rozee assumed the captaincy following Tom Jonas’ retirement at the end of the 2023 season, while Butters has spent the last two seasons as sole vice-captain. 

Rozee’s two seasons in charge have featured a mix of on-field results, with the young skipper impressing beyond his years with his strength of character and ability to maintain composure. 

In September, Butters earned his third John Cahill Medal as the club’s best and fairest male player, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to athletic performance and team success. 

With two years in the leadership group under his belt, Drew has continued his growth as a player and a person, being recognised with an elevation to vice for the upcoming season. 

2026 will be Rozee's third AFL season in charge, ably supported by vice-captains Zak Butters and Willem Drew. Image: Matt Sampson.

A mix of youth and experience will support the captain’s group with Mitch Georgiades, Aliir Aliir, Jack Lukosius and Miles Bergman all taking on additional leadership responsibilities.   

A greater emphasis has also been placed on every player developing their own leadership skills, from lifting training standards, to making positive lifestyle choices. 

General manager of football Ben Rutten congratulated the group on their appointments. 

“Connor, Zak and Willem have earned the opportunity to lead our playing group in 2026,” Rutten said. 

“Our chosen leaders are widely respected by our players, coaches, staff and the broader Port Adelaide community. They embody our team and club values, consistently perform well on-field, and have a positive influence over those around them. 

Willem Drew has been elevated to vice-captaincy for the first time, a testament to his strong leadership and embodiment of club values. Image: AFL Photos.

“As a young captain, Connor has shown enormous growth as a leader and is a calm and consistent voice throughout the highs and lows of the football season. We are very pleased to see him once again assume the responsibility of the number one guernsey, which is one of the great traditions of our club. 

“Congratulations also to our supporting leaders – Aliir, Mitch, Jack and Miles all have leadership traits and are equipped to assist our captain and vice-captains with team performance and culture. 

“We also thank Sam Powell-Pepper for his service as a leader over the last two seasons. Sam will spend this season fully focused on his recovery from a second serious knee injury, while preparing to play as much football as he can in 2026. He will continue to be an important role model on and off the field for our group.” 

Port Adelaide will play its first pre-season clash against opposition, taking on Adelaide on Friday, 20 February at Alberton Oval.