Jack Steele will skipper St Kilda solo in Season 2022, with the dual All-Australian part of a five-man leadership group unveiled today.
Tim Membrey and Dougal Howard will serve as co-vice-captains for the second consecutive season, while Callum Wilkie and Jarryn Geary make up the remainder of the revised contingent.
Season 2022 will mark Steele’s second year in an official leadership role, with the 26-year-old first entering the fold as co-captain last season.
Steele led the Saints in 19 games in 2022 – earning his second Trevor Barker Award honour in the process – following a pair of long-term injuries to fellow co-captain Geary, who officially stepped down from the post late last week.
“I’m incredibly proud to be voted in as captain – it means the world to me,” Steele said.
“I love this footy club and I couldn’t feel more honoured to hold this position.
“Holding the role by myself this year will be a challenge, but one I feel I’m ready to face thanks to the support of so many great people around me, especially Jarryn.
“Jarryn has been a massive influence on me since I walked into the club and his guidance and support has been invaluable these past few years. I wouldn’t be standing where I am today if it wasn’t for him, and I look forward to learning more from him and others throughout the year.”
Senior Coach Brett Ratten said Steele’s appointment as skipper was just reward for the effort he has shown both on and off the field over the past few seasons.
“We all saw it last year, but the way Jack was able to lead by example and bring his teammates along with him was outstanding,” Ratten said.
“Although he was forced to lead the side on his own in Jarryn’s absence, he really shouldered the responsibility without taking a backwards step.
“Even now at training we’re seeing that confidence continue to manifest - he’s vocal on the track, is demanding more of his teammates and is ruthless in his pursuit to improve both personally and collectively.”
Ratten also thanked Seb Ross and Jack Billings who departed the group after several years of contributions.
“Seb and Jack remain very important leaders for our group, albeit this year it won’t be in an official capacity,” Ratten said.
The leadership group was decided following a vote of the playing group and broader football department. From there, the leadership group and senior football department staff took a captaincy recommendation to the Board, with the result finalised following a ratification process.
