FORMER Sydney Swans premiership star Nick Malceski has been named a vice-captain with Gold Coast after just three months at the club.
Malceski was signed for three years by the Suns as an unrestricted free agent during the off-season, and has made an immediate impression with his new teammates.
Gold Coast announced its full leadership group on Friday after voting during a three-day camp last week.
Gary Ablett will be captain for the fifth straight season.
Last year's vice-captains David Swallow, Tom Lynch, Michael Rischitelli and Dion Prestia join Malceski as deputies.
It should be no surprise that Malceski, a leading light in the Swans' 2012 flag, has had an impact so quickly.
The rebounding half-back was so keen to impress at his new home that he returned from off-season leave three weeks early.
His strong voice and guidance on the training track has been noticeable among his young teammates.
Coach Rodney Eade said Malceski’s premiership experience had been on full display since his arrival.
“The team has benefited from Nick’s arrival and we’re pleased that the players have acknowledged that by voting him into their leadership group,” Eade said.
“Throughout Nick’s career he has consistently shown strong leadership qualities; those qualities were part of the reason the club was thrilled to sign him as a free agent at the end of last season and in a short time with the Suns he has made a significant impact."
