Saints star Nick Riewoldt will further cement his legacy as a club great by leading the team as Captain for the 11^th year in 2016.

Last year he overtook Danny Frawley (nine seasons: 1987-95) as the club record holder. Darrel Baldock is the third longest serving captain (six years: 1963-68).

The 33-year-old (he turns 34 in October), five-time All-Australian said he still had a burning passion for the role and was excited about what this playing group could produce. 

“I am extremely proud to be selected as Captain and can’t wait to lead this exciting, young list – this group has the potential to become something special,” he said.

“I had a good post-season break to refresh and spent a lot of time thinking about whether I was still the right person for the role. I also spoke to Richo about what was best for the team. In the end, I knew I still had the passion and my teammates wanted me there so I couldn’t be happier or more excited.”

All going well, Riewoldt’s 11^th year of Captaincy will kick off with multiple milestones: 200^th game as Captain in Round 1 (a club first), 300^th AFL game in Round 2, outright 4^th on the all-time games played for St Kilda in Round 3 (passing Barry Breen on 300 games).

Coach Alan Richardson said that the highly durable Riewoldt was refreshed, very fit and continuing to grow each year as a leader.

Related: New Saints set for weekend at the Riewoldt's

“The simple fact is that Nick is an outstanding leader and Captain of our club and the coaches and players agree he is the best man for the job,” Richardson said. 

“He continues to grow as a Captain and still has a genuine hunger to lead - many people associated with the club believe 2015 was actually his best year in the role and I couldn’t argue with that.

“Nick sets extremely high standards for both himself and the group and represents the club very professionally so is a great role model for a young, exciting list. He wants to guide them to another level in 2016 and I know our fans are excited about where this team is going.

“We surprised a few people last year with our attitude and competitiveness and we aim to keep improving and do the same this year.”

Richardson said the club was in the fortunate position that other players stepped up as leaders in 2015 and showed they could also do the job well. 

“I believe Jarryn Geary and David Armitage – to name two - would both make good Captains and will continue to be excellent leaders for us,” he said.

“We have taken some big steps forward in the leadership space in the past year - which was an area of focus for us - and that has had a positive influence across the club.”

Nick Riewoldt as Captain: 2008-16. (co-captain with Lenny Hayes and Luke Ball 2005, 2007).