St Kilda will opt for a cautious and thorough approach in anointing its new captain, according to GM – Football Performance Jamie Cox.

The club will elect a new skipper after Nick Riewoldt stood down from the role at the end of 2016, one held for 11 years and 220 games, placing him third in VFL/AFL history for most games served as captain.

Well positioned to appoint a new captain with a number of candidates emerging, St Kilda will take a more steady approach and won’t rush in deciding who will lead the Saints in 2017.

Speaking on SEN Afternoons, Cox suggests the club will “wait and see” before locking down Riewoldt’s replacement. 

“You generally want to see how guys come back and who those candidates are that really want to distance themselves from the rest.” Cox said on Tuesday.

“We’re really pleased that candidates over the last year have started to put their hand up and actually taken Nick to a stage where he’s comfortable in relinquishing the captaincy.

“It’s an exciting time for leadership at our club. I think what we’ll do is let it play out for a bit in pre-season and see which one really emerges from the pack.”

With Jarryn Geary, David Armitage and more recently Jack Steven all stepping up leadership responsibilities, along with a number of emerging leaders, St Kilda is well equipped to fill the role.

Cox believes someone from last year’s leadership group of Steven, Armitage, Geary, Jack Newnes, Mav Weller or Leigh Montagna will form candidates for the captaincy.

“In expect in the short term you’d be looking from our leadership group of last year to garner the favourites.” Cox said. 

“You’d expect a pick from David Armitage, Jarryn Geary, Jack Steven or even Jack Newnes would be candidates at this stage.

“There’s an old stager in Leigh Montagna who could certainly wear the stripes as well for a period of time, but I suspect it will go to one of the younger guys that formed our leadership group last year.”