ST KILDA'S decision to throw open its captaincy to the best possible candidate has the full backing of current skipper Nick Riewoldt.

Riewoldt first captained the Saints in 2005, before sharing the duties with Lenny Hayes and Luke Ball in 2007. He has been the standalone captain since 2008 but could possibly lose the position after the arrival of new coach Scott Watters.

The St Kilda forward may still lead the Saints this season and he said he was happy to do whatever the club saw fit.

"I will support the process and whatever comes out of it I will support 100 per cent. If that is me as captain again then absolutely I cherish the job and that is something I do with a lot of pride," Riewoldt said on Wednesday morning.

"If not, if the club sees it is in their best interests to have someone else as captain then I will support that 100 per cent also; I won't change the way I lead and go about my footy. It is a fantastic thing the club are doing to give everybody the opportunity to grow, stand up and mature as leaders."

Riewoldt struggled with form and a persistent knee injury in 2011. But an eventful post-season that has seen him get a new senior coach, undergo a knee operation and become engaged to partner Catherine Heard has left him refreshed and ready to take on his 12th AFL season.

"I'm feeling really good. It has been a slow build-up. Scott has spoken about pre-seasons and what you hope to get out of them," he said.

"During the year it is all about maintenance so this is a real window to try and improve and I feel I have got some good strength in there at the moment and [I'm] pain free, so I am looking forward to the season."

The 29-year-old is likely to feature in at least one NAB Cup game, as is his usual routine.

"I'll probably fit a couple in there somewhere. I'm not too sure of the plan at the moment but I hope to get one or two in before the season starts. I'll come in most years with a game or half a game under my belt and it is a pretty long season so there is plenty of time to get fit."

The Saints will announce their captain and leadership group before the NAB Cup commences.

Lenny Hayes could be set to take part in at least one NAB Cup game after Watters said his recovery from a knee reconstruction was progressing on track.

Luke Holmesby covers St Kilda news for afl.com.au. Follow him on @AFL_LHolmesby