MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 17: Jarryn Geary of the Saints celebrates after scoring a goal during the round 17 AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and the Melbourne Demons at Etihad Stadium on July 17, 2016 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
St Kilda are set to have a new captain from 2017, with coach Alan Richardson confirming that this year will be current captain Nick Riewoldt's last as leader.
With that being said, let's have a look at the five candidates in contention to take over from the inspirational forward.
Maverick Weller
What a year it has been for the 24-year old at St Kilda this season and many fans have tipped the former Gold Coast midfielder to lead the club out next year.
It's hard to believe that Weller was delisted from the Suns back in 2013 and its been a meteoric rise for a player that is ready to take the next step.
In Nick Riewoldt, you have a captain that seeks out the tough conservations, has high expectations and calls things as he sees them. Weller is probably the closest player to Riewoldt in that manner and should work in his favour when the time comes in pre-season to pick a new captain.
Having only played 56 games for the club so far, the hierarchy may choose to go with someone a bit more experienced.
Jack Steven
In terms of form and the type of player he is, Steven is a no-brainer for a role as captain. Being the team's best player and all, you gain a sense of leadership automatically and I wouldn't be surprised if its he who gets the gig next season.
It's been a massive year for the midfielder, who was added to the leadership group at the beginning of the season. He's already stood in as captain this season, handling the reigns back in round 12 against Carlton. Steven starred, kicking three goals and amassing 25 possessions as the Saints ran out 32 point winners.
A bold and inspiring player that drags others with him, there's a certain type of dynamism about the way he plays that fits with where the team wants to go.
On the other hand, he doesn't naturally possess leadership skills and he isn't the biggest talker out on the field. However, Riewoldt shoes are very big to fill, so maybe he would gain those skills over time which makes picking him as the new captain a risky move but one that is sure to pay off in the years to come.
David Armitage
St Kilda are one of very few clubs that have opted not to have a vice-captain, and just like with Steven this year, David Armitage captained the side in a few games in 2015 and has to be considered as an option.
Form wise, this year hasn't been a great one for the midfielder who thrived in 2015. Despite that drop in form his style of play very much spells out captaincy material.
He is one of the club's most courageous players, always going in head first and leading by example out on the field. A tough nut on it, Armitage is a softy off the field. What I mean by that, he is a very likable person around the club and in the media.
With a warm and open personality, its no wonder he is a teammates best friend. If he were to become captain, he would be one that is very public and very likable among the AFL community.
Leigh Montagna
If St Kilda want to go with someone more experienced than Montagna is the best option. It would be fitting for the midfielder to earn the captaincy, given his close relationship with Riewoldt.
He's been a fantastic servant for the club for so many years and still offers plenty on the field as he does off it. He probably only has a few years left at the club and it would be fitting for him to end his glittering career as skipper.
With that being said, logically, I find it difficult to see why the Saints would make Montagna captain, knowing that'll he'll only hold the role for a year or two.
Jarryn Geary
Probably the most balanced of all the candidates. Geary is incredibly well respected internally and is also well liked amongst the playing group. He's beginnings started out as a rookie and has stuck with the club through thick and thin, through their golden era a few years back and the most recent run of poor seasons.
There is word within the Saints, that he has the ability to adapt to new things. He can play a variety of roles and is one of the most well-rounded players at the club.
There is a suggestion that he tries to do too much when captain and we witnessed that last season. But to get those few games, trialling his new role is crucial and every captain has their initiation period.
There still remains a question over whether he can remain in their best 22 and that might be a reason why St Kilda may be reluctant to pick him as the new captain.
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