St Kilda have appointed Callum Wilkie and Jack Sinclair as their new co-captains while breakout star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has been elevated into a leadership role.
New leadership was inevitable at St Kilda after the Saints effectively forced out Jack Steele, with the midfielder stepping down as captain before ultimately sealing a move to Melbourne.
Former rookies Wilkie and Sinclair are the pair charged with leading a rise up the ladder for the Saints, who spent big to keep Wanganeen-Milera while recruiting Tom De Koning, Sam Flanders, Liam Ryan and Jack Silvagni.
“Cal and Jack have earned the trust of this playing group,” football boss Lenny 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.”
Defender Wilkie, who knocked back interest from the Western Bulldogs last year before staying put, was a mature-aged recruit out of the SANFL but has not missed a game since his debut in Round 1, 2019.
Wilkie was All-Australian in 2023 and won St Kilda's best and fairest the following year.
“Our goals as a playing group are big, but so is our commitment to doing the work required to achieve them," Wilkie said.
Half-back Sinclair, who has played 210 games, was All-Australian and won St Kilda's best and fairest in 2022 and 2023.
“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," Sinclair said.
Wanganeen-Milera, 22, who knocked back heavy interest from Adelaide and Port Adelaide to stay on a big-money two-year deal, is in the Saints' six-man leadership group for the first time.
He is joined by Marcus Windhager, Mitch Owens and Mason Wood.
“It’s a positive sign for our future,” Hayes said.
“Nas, Marcus and Mitch are highly competitive and deeply invested in this club."
