Collingwood veteran Steele Sidebottom has put a line through his own name for the vacant captaincy position at the Magpies, instead backing a fellow senior figure to potentially take the reins.
Sidebottom, who turns 32 next month, is one of Craig McRae's most senior players at Olympic Park, and despite not being part of their leadership group, has the qualities to succeed outgoing skipper Scott Pendlebury.
With the club now searching for their 48th club captain following Pendlebury's decision to relinquish his duties, Sidebottom has categorically ruled himself out of the race.
READ: FIVE OPTIONS TO REPLACE PENDLEBURY AS COLLINGWOOD CAPTAIN
Speaking to media this week, the 289-gamer said "the boat has sailed" for his chance to captain the Magpies, but wouldn't rule out another veteran for the job.
Defender Jeremy Howe, who is one year Sidebottom's senior, is "definitely" a worthy candidate for the position, according to the premiership Magpie.
"I guess Pendles is 34 and Howie is 33, could Howie be captain? Howie could definitely captain the footy club," Sidebottom said.
"But I think it'll be someone who is probably a little bit younger.
"There's a process in place, whoever gets the votes, there'll be discussions all around it.
"Whether he's 32 or 28, the right person will be put in that position.
"There are guys there that are ready to do the job, but I guess it is great Pendles is still here because he can help guide those guys through it and it'll help them going forward.
"Time will tell, we'll tally all of the votes and see what happens."
Fellow defenders Darcy Moore and Brayden Maynard join Howe in being among those likely considered for the captaincy, while midfield pair Taylor Adams and Jack Crisp may also stick their hand up.
Sidebottom said that suggestions of Moore being the favourite to replace Pendlebury came as no surprise.
"There's going to be a few guys there that'll definitely be candidates and Darcy will definitely be one of those," he said.
"He's a great player for one, he's a great leader and someone that people love to be around at the footy club."
Collingwood will announce their new captain in the new year, with their next skipper looking to fill the shoes left by Pendlebury, who led his club in a Collingwood-record 206 games.
