St Kilda leader Dylan Roberton says Jimmy Webster and Shane Savage have elevated their leadership over the summer to help fill the void left by retired great Leigh Montagna.

In a year where he was included in the leadership group for the first time, Roberton also produced a career-best season, finishing second in the Trevor Barker Award as well as earning selection in the All-Australian squad.

But with experienced leaders like Montagna and Sean Dempster departing the back six in the past 12 months, Webster and Savage have taken their leadership to the next level this pre-season.

“Guys like Jimmy and Sav have really stepped up a bit in terms of their leadership,” Roberton told the Inside St Kilda podcast this week.

“Joey used to tell them where to go, but now that he isn’t here anymore, they’ve become loud and aggressive with their voice which is great for our defence.”

Roberton back on track after Savage attack

Roberton said new Senior Assistant Coach Henry Playfair has made an impact in the first few months of his time at Linen House Centre through his ability to educate the defenders.

“He’s a really impressive person. He brings a different dynamic to the coaching group, where the other coaches are more larrikin types,” he said.

“He’s a really good teacher; he’s able to pass on the knowledge easily. I think that’s the best thing about him because every time you have a meeting with him or out on the track you’re really learning from him.”

Just over two months remain between now and St Kilda's opening game of 2018 against Brisbane at Etihad Stadium.