JARROD Witts is shouldering a workload like none other this season, and the Gold Coast co-captain has no intention of slowing down.
Through seven rounds, Witts has attended a staggering 598 ruck contests – 109 more than his nearest rival, Collingwood's Brodie Grundy.
That's a lot of jumping, pushing and jockeying for position every game.
On Saturday Witts faces two-time All Australian Max Gawn, and he again holds the key to his team's success.
Max Gawn and Jarrod Witts have a chat on Captains Day. Picture: AFL Photos
One of the biggest players in the AFL – Witts stands 209cm and weighs 111kg – he says he thrives off the workload.
MATCH PREVIEW Gold Coast v Melbourne
"I did a fair body of work knowing this was coming," he told AFL.com.au.
"We play a high-stoppage game, so it's something I've prepared for and am really comfortable doing.
"I think that's how I can be most effective for the team and the role I feel most comfortable in. That's where the team needs me."
WHO MAKES FINALS? Do the 2019 Ladder Predictor
Witts effectively rucks one-out, with light backup work coming from Peter Wright.
Suns coach Stuart Dew says he doesn't like his team playing "Russian roulette" at stoppages and prefers Witts to keep the ball in close when he wins a hit-out, often leading to repeat stoppages.
Witts says it makes him more predictable to his teammates.
Melbourne plays with a different philosophy, though.
Gawn has more hitouts to advantage (102) than anyone in the competition. Witts (82) and Grundy (81) are his nearest rivals.
"Melbourne play quite an attacking brand from stoppage and that comes on the back of (Gawn's) ability to get his hands to it, so nullifying that is going to be an important part to us winning the game, no doubt," Witts said.
"His whole game is pretty well covered off.
MID-SEASON DRAFT 50 players who could spark up your list
"He's great at hitouts, he moves around the ground, can take you forward, is good in the air and good at ground level as well."
While Witts shares the captaincy duties with David Swallow this season, his first game in charge came late last year, also against Melbourne.
On that occasion the Demons steamrolled Gold Coast at the MCG, kicking nine first-quarter goals on the way to a 96-point victory.
"I only ever see Melbourne as a quality side. They did a number on us twice last year and I haven't forgotten that," Witts said.
"There's absolutely no way we're taking them lightly.
"We know what they're capable of and how effective they can be when they get up and going."
