Code-hopper Karmichael Hunt has been elevated to AFL club Gold Coast’s leadership group, while Campbell Brown has been removed.

Inaugural skipper Gary Ablett retained the captaincy, with experienced defender Nathan Bock vice-captain, in an announcement by the Suns on Saturday.

Michael Rischitelli replaced former Hawthorn hard man Brown as deputy vice-captain.

Brown was stripped of that role after being involved in a bar brawl during a post-season trip to Thailand.

The defender, who also copped a four-week suspension last season, was left out of the seven-man leadership group entirely.

Rugby league convert Hunt was one of three newcomers, along with 2010 No.1 draft pick David Swallow, whose brother Andrew is North Melbourne’s new skipper, and ex-St Kilda recruit Andrew McQualter.

Zac Smith is the other member.

Hunt, 25, played 16 AFL games last season, mostly in defence, but is set to move into the midfield this year.

Ablett said Hunt had taken giant steps over the off-season.

“The amount he’s improved from last year to this year has been incredible but it’s no surprise,” Ablett told the AFL website.

“He’s one of the hardest workers at the club, he’s always doing extras.

“It’s good to see him playing the kind of footy he’s playing and it’ll be great to see him running around in the midfield this year.”