Callum Wilkie's and Jack Sinclair’s AFL journeys began on the rookie list. Today, they officially lead St Kilda Football Club as co-captains.

Wilkie and Sinclair have forged their own paths from overlooked prospects to two of the competition’s most respected performers. The pair now become the club’s 64th and 65th captains respectively.

Wilkie has not missed a game since his debut in Round 1, 2019, earning All-Australian honours in 2023, the Trevor Barker Award in 2024 and three consecutive Team Trademark Awards from 2022 to 2024.

“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’s rise has followed a similarly hard-earned path. After working his way off the rookie list, he went on to establish himself as one of the competition’s most consistent half-backs, earning both All-Australian honours and Trevor Barker Awards in 2022 and 2023 and representing Victoria in this year’s Origin game.

“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.”

Executive General Manager of Football Lenny Hayes said the appointment reflected not only their performance but also their respective characters.

“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.”

Wilkie and Sinclair will be supported by a six-man leadership group that also includes Mason Wood and first-time leaders Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Marcus Windhager and Mitch Owens.

The elevation of Wanganeen-Milera, Windhager and Owens signals growing leadership depth within the group. All drafted in the same intake, the trio have developed together and now step into formal leadership roles after establishing themselves as strong internal drivers of standards.

“It’s a positive sign for our future,” Hayes said.

“Nas, Marcus and Mitch are highly competitive and deeply invested in this club. They challenge their teammates, demand accountability and bring energy every day.

“To see three young players step into leadership at this stage shows the direction our program is heading.”