Those who doubted the leadership qualities of inaugural Gold Coast Suns skipper Gary Ablett will soon be tucking into a large helping of humble pie.
That's the assessment from veteran defender Nathan Bock, who has experienced first-hand the guidance offered by Ablett to the Suns' 12 debutants in the lead-up to Saturday's historic first match against Carlton at the Gabba.
Even Bock himself admitted to feeling butterflies ahead of such a landmark occasion in AFL history, but once the 2009 Brownlow Medalist stepped in to ground the playing group before of their last training session, his nerves were calmed.
"Gary just grabbed all the boys before training then and we had a quick chat about not getting too caught up in the moment and just concentrating on what we need to do," Bock said.
"He's really excited and he embraced the captain's role. He's someone that's really going to lead by example and we all know how great a player he is. I'm really looking forward to playing with him."
"I can honestly say last night I was a little bit nervous myself as the game gets closer. I'm sure there's going to be a lot of nerves but with that, a lot of excitement."
"We've got a good leadership group now and a large group of young players. It's going to take all of us contributing in terms of that leadership and helping the young boys, not only tomorrow night but throughout the rest of the year."
Former Adelaide Crow Bock was named at full-back for the Suns' first moment in the spotlight, flanked by fellow recruits Campbell Brown, Jarrad Harbrow and Nathan Krakouer in a solid-looking backline.
But it is the man at centre half back, code hopper Karmichael Hunt, who will attract all the attention in the Gold Coast rearguard.
Keeping in with the theme of the afternoon, Bock had some words of advice for the ex-Brisbane Bronco and told him to savour the moment of his first AFL match and show his class.
"I told him just to go out and enjoy it. He's copping a lot of scrutiny and a little bit of criticism from here and there but he's such a professional athlete, he's dealt with a lot of big games in his time so he knows what it's all about," Bock said.
"Seeing him run around today, he's very excited and I think he's really looking forward to making his debut in AFL football."
"It's been a long time coming and a big buildup so the time has finally arrived and the boys are really excited. We're just looking forward to getting the game underway."