Former North Melbourne premiership player David King believes the time is right for the Tigers to appoint a new skipper.

King says Trent Cotchin, who has captained the side since 2013, should be replaced by star defender Alex Rance, who he believes is the best leader at the club.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 20: Alex Rance of the Tigers runs with the ball during the round 22 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the St Kilda Saints at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 20, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

โ€œIโ€™ve said this time and time again that I think Alex Rance is their best choice as captain,โ€ Kingย said on SEN on Wednesday afternoon.

โ€œThe way Alex plays is team first, he hates to lose and heโ€™s just a super competitor.

โ€œI just think he would make a sensational captain.โ€

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King said there are now several players who have overtaken Cotchin in terms in leadership since he was appointed four years ago.

โ€œWhen Cotchin was named captain he was the logically choice,โ€ King said.

โ€œBut right now theyโ€™ve got options.

โ€œTo me (Jack) Riewoldt and Rance are the best two leaders.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 14: Jack Riewoldt of the Tigers (L) and Jake Kolodjashnij of the Cats compete for the ball during the round 21 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at Melbourne Cricket Ground on August 14, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

โ€œWhen they need something to happen they are two players they look to.

โ€œOutside of that I think youโ€™d struggled to find a player at the club you could say โ€˜yeah, heโ€™s a super leaderโ€™."