of the team. At AFL level, captains receive media training to extend their professionalism off the field. Team selection Although not always, the captain may be asked to participate on the selection committee to determine which players do or do not make the squad. Representative for the playing group The captain and the leadership group represents the playing group. If a player does something to the detriment of the playing group (such as inappropriate behaviour like taking drugs), then the captain will often act in the interests of the playing group and request that the club or league take appropriate action. Head count The captain of the team may request the game to be stopped for a head count, to determine whether or not the opposition team is fielding too many players. Head counts are exceedingly rare. As of August 2022, the last head count at AFL level was by captain Guy McKenna against St Kilda in Round 22, 1999; the call was unsuccessful. Grand Final It is tradition after a grand final that the winning captain and coach hold up the premiership cup before it is handed to the players. Both the winning and losing captains are expected to make a speech, including paying respect to the opposition team. Australian Football League premiership captains See: List of Australian Football League premiership captains and coaches See also Captain (sports) References Australian rules football terminology Leadership positions in sports Sports captains