St Kilda stars Jack Sinclair and Callum Wilkie will lead the Saints in 2026, officially named as club co-captains on Monday.
Their appointment comes after St Kilda parted ways with Jack Steele during the 2025 off-season, telling the midfielder to explore his options elsewhere after leading the club as sole captain since 2022.
The Saints also named an extended leadership group on Monday, featuring three first-time leaders - Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Marcus Windhager and Mitch Owens. Mason Wood will also be a part of the extended cohort.
Wilkie had been earmarked as a captain-in-waiting at the Moorabbin-based outfit for some time, having featured in St Kilda's leadership group since 2021, and was named the vice-captain in 2023.
The 29-year-old was arguably the biggest All-Australian snub in 2025 following a dominant career-best season that saw the Saints renegotiate his contract to ensure he did not depart the club for greater reward elsewhere.
The star defender said he was extremely grateful to be given the honour.
"St Kilda took a chance on me eight years ago when I was a kid trying to make it in the SANFL, so to now be in this position is something I'm incredibly grateful for," Wilkie said.
"It's an absolute honour to have been elected co-captain by my teammates.
"Our goals as a playing group are big, but so is our commitment to doing the work required to achieve them. Success isn't given, it's earned. That's the mindset Jack and I will bring to our captaincy every day."
Sinclair, a two-time best and fairest winner, had another prolific season in 2025, playing every game as a high-disposal, metres-gained player. His proven capability as a leader from either the half-back or midfield makes him a valid choice to lead the Saints, having been a member of the leadership group since 2023.
"To share this responsibility with Cal means a lot," Sinclair said.
"The path to get us here today was a grind. That shapes how you lead.
"This club backed us in early. Now it's our time to drive standards, keep our group connected and lead in a way that gives us the best chance to succeed."
As the Saints look to go from strength to strength with a revamped core in 2026, Sinclair and Wilkie will remain as pivotal mainstays behind the ball, with Sinclair's run-and-carry a key element of St Kilda's transition play and Wilkie's elite mark a strong force for Ross Lyon's stout defensive system.
That's a sentiment shared by St Kilda's Executive General Manager of Football, Lenny Hayes.
"Cal and Jack have earned the trust of this playing group," Hayes said.
"They're consistent, resilient and completely team-first in everything they do, and together, they represent the work ethic and accountability we want this football club to be known for.”
Hayes also highlighted the addition of the three first-time leaders as the Saints look to build a consistent winning culture.
"Nas, Marcus and Mitch are highly competitive and deeply invested in this club. They challenge their teammates, demand accountability and bring energy every day," Hayes said.
"To see three young players step into leadership at this stage shows the direction our program is heading."
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