St Kilda have confirmed their leadership group for 2023 as the season nears, with Jack Steele continuing as skipper for the third consecutive year.
Steele took the reins of the captaincy in 2021, three seasons after making the move to the Saints from GWS. The Canberra-born dual All Australian has played 137 AFL games, 120 of those with St Kilda.
The 27-year-old will be aided by vice-captain Callum Wilkie, who is stepping into the role for the first time in his fifth year at the club.
The five-man leadership group is rounded out by Sebastian Ross, Tim Membrey and Jack Sinclair, the latter joining the leadership team for the first time.
Heading into St Kilda's 150th celebration year, Steele said he was proud to lead the club once again.
“I'm so proud to lead this club in what is such a special year for everyone who bleeds red, white and black,” Steele said.
“Every time I pull on the jumper, the significance of representing generations of Saints fans, staff and players isn't wasted on me.
“I'm really looking forward to working closely with Cal, someone I'm lucky to call a close friend.
“To see Cal grow into the respected and deserving leader he is today is something I'm very proud of and I know he'll do great things in this role.”
Leading us into a new era.
Jack Steele has retained the captaincy and will be supported by our new vice-captain, Callum Wilkie!
Congrats, boys 👏
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) March 1, 2023
Wilkie's ascension to the vice-captaincy marks the 26-year-old's latest achievement since his debut in 2019, rising from a rookie to an All-Australian in 2022.
“My opportunity to play AFL football came a little later than most, and I made a promise to myself to make the absolute most of my time at the highest level,” Wilkie said.
“To be voted in as vice-captain is a true honour and something I certainly don't take for granted.
St Kilda's 150th season gets underway on Sunday, March 19 against Fremantle at Marvel Stadium.
