ST KILDA’s host of experienced players remain critical in the club’s resurgence in 2016, according to midfielder Jack Newnes.

While the club has placed a strong emphasis on promoting youth over the last two seasons, having older players still around to guide the up-and-comers remains a crucial component to a successful rebuild.

“The older boys have been unbelievable,” Newnes told Sports Breakfast radio in Perth on Thursday.

“Guys like Schneids, who has worked with Jack Lonie, has been great. Heaps of the older guys have taken an interest in the young guys and driving them to learn a lot more.”

At the forefront of this older generation is Nick Riewoldt, who this Saturday will skipper St Kilda for the 199th time.

“I hope Roo goes on forever,” Newnes said.

“He’s an absolute King. He helps the young boys immensely and he helps the young boys on game day. Off field, in meetings and everything, he’s unbelievable. I hope he can go on for another three years because he’s great for us.”

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Newnes, who has played 46 consecutive games for St Kilda dating back to round 20, 2013, was drafted with pick 37 in the 2011 National Draft.

Precisely 10 years earlier, fellow Marcellin College graduate Leigh Montagna was selected with pick 31 in the 2001 ‘Super Draft,’ and since Newnes arrived at the club, it has been Montagna who has played the biggest mentoring role with him.

“I probably work with Joey Montagna the most,” he said.

“We play similar positions and have similar playing styles. He’s really good for me. He’s one that I bounce off.”

Along with Maverick Weller, Newnes was promoted to St Kilda leadership group at the start of the season. At 22, he is the youngest member of the group. He is also one of just three players that have played every match this season.