At a glance:

• Callum Wilkie has been given the special honour by Jade Gresham of leading St Kilda's theme song in his his absence.
• Gresham consulted with former song leaders Jack Steven and Stephen Milne before handing the reins to Wilkie.
• Wilkie has played every game since making his debut in Round 1 last season.

A text message from good friend and St Kilda ace Jade Gresham sent defender Callum Wilkie into a slight panic ahead of Sunday’s clash with Essendon.

Gresham left a giant hole in the Saints midfield after departing for Melbourne earlier in the week, but it was another position he needed his teammate to fill.

Eagle-eyed Saints fans will notice that it's Gresham who leads the repeat singing of "Oh, when the Saints!" towards the end of the club’s iconic song.

It’s an honour he now holds full-time after being handpicked by Jack Steven and Stephen Milne who both led the post-match rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In across their illustrious careers.

In fact, both former crowd favourites were consulted by Gresham before bestowing the honour to Wilkie prior to Round 12, such is the esteem the tradition is held internally among the playing group.

Wilkie has made quite an impression since joining the club as a mature-age rookie in the 2018 Draft.

The left-footer hasn’t missed a game and has become an important leader in the back-half full of young talent, while also clearly winning the respect of his teammates with his calm and professional approach.

But despite his assuredness on the field, Wilkie said he was incredibly nervous ahead of the signing of the song.

“I think it went okay,” he said with a laugh.

“After I got the text from Gresh, and to know he had checked with Stuv (Jack Steven) and Milney (Stephen Milne), I was so nervous, more nervous than I would normally be about playing.

“I thought for sure I am going to stuff this up and never be asked again.

“It’s obviously something within the playing group that we think is pretty special and that has a lot to do with the way Milney and Stuv embraced that role to ensure the song is always sung with the spirit it deserves.

“I think Milney was keen to see someone in his old number take the reins so he might have helped Gresh make the final call.

“Gresh I am sure will be taking the title back when he’s overcome the back injury but hopefully it's something I get to do a fair few more times this season.”