COLIN Garland does not see himself becoming Melbourne's next captain.
The Demons are yet to name their leader for the 2014 season, although Paul Roos said recently an announcement was likely to come before the end of February.
Garland's leadership skills are rated-highly by those inside the club, meaning he is a chance to assume a leading role.
However, the Demons defender does not consider himself as the first-choice candidate.
"I don't think I've probably got the personality to be a captain," Garland told AFL.com.au.
"There's a lot more that comes with it than people realise."
As evidenced by his demeanour at training, Garland prefers to hand out advice to teammates on a more personal level.
He is often seen encouraging teammates – patting them on the back or having a quiet word.
Needless to say, when he does talk his teammates listen.
"I'm not a guy that stands up in team meetings all the time or has a lot to say here or there, but I feel as though I can have a conversation with someone if they feel like they need to talk," he said.
"I feel like I'm very good at giving direct and honest feedback. So I think that's probably more my style, rather than sitting out the front and being the figurehead."
Garland, who enjoyed his best season to date in 2013 – capped by a second-place finish in the club's best and fairest count – nominated Jack Grimes and Nathan Jones as his favoured contenders for the role.
Grimes held the captaincy alongside Jack Trengove - who has announced he was stepping down from the role - through Mark Neeld's tenure in 2012 and 2013.
Garland says both Grimes and Jones exude exceptional leadership qualities.
"For me, Jack Grimes is a real standout leader at the club," Garland said.
"There's few I've seen that are close to him and Nathan Jones is similar.
"I probably wouldn't see myself in the same league as those guys."
Garland believes the tumultuous events of the past two years has steeled the club's leadership group for what is ahead.
"I think the two years that we had, we've probably learnt more and had to deal with a lot more than other normal AFL clubs," he said.
"A lot of those guys are probably far more advanced than maybe their age or their games played would suggest."
