MAVERICK Weller and Jack Newnes have been added to St Kilda's seven-man leadership group that will be headed by Nick Riewoldt for a record 10th season.

The promotion for Weller follows on from an impressive first season as a Saint where he came off the rookie list, played 16 games and finished ninth in the best and fairest.

The diligent trainer has embraced his second chance at an AFL career after being cut from Gold Coast's list, where he played 32 senior games.

Both Weller and Newnes stood out as future leaders on the demanding four-day Canberra training camp the Saints sent their first-to-fourth year players on in November last year.

They'll join Riewoldt, David Armitage, Leigh Montagna, Jarryn Geary and Sean Dempster in the official leadership group this season, with the retired Lenny Hayes the only omission from last year.

Riewoldt, who has captained in 182 games, has received the backing of his teammates to continue in the role and is on track to become the fifth longest-serving AFL skipper in round seven against Adelaide.

The 32-year-old star forward will first overtake North Melbourne superstar Wayne Carey (184 games) in sixth spot in round three, before passing Carlton legend John Nicholls (188 games).

"I am incredibly proud to be named captain of this great club for the 2015 season and I can't believe it's my 10th year in the role," Riewoldt told the club's website.

"The vibe around the club is very positive and I think it's obvious to everyone that we have a clear plan and are going in the right direction.

"Our playing list is exciting but still very young so it's crucial for senior, established players to set the example and provide leadership for both on and off-field standards.

"As captain, making sure we grow and develop this club's young leaders of the future will be a big focus of mine in 2015."

Riewoldt will head a seven-player leadership group. Last season the Saints had six leaders – featuring Lenny Hayes, David Armitage, Leigh Montagna, Jarryn Geary and Sean Dempster – but Hayes has since retired.

Riewoldt needs 19 games to become the fifth Saint to reach the 300-game milestone and is set to surpass Danny Frawley's nine seasons as skipper (1987-95).

He showed no signs of slowing down last season, despite having to manage his degenerative left knee, and he won a sixth best and fairest after booting 49 goals from 22 games.

The former No.1 draft pick has signed a contract extension to the end of 2016 and said he is keen to play finals again after leading the Saints during their Grand Final defeats in 2009 and '10.

"The body feels really good heading into my 15th season," Riewoldt said.

"Obviously as a veteran you have to take it season by season and be smart with your training but I know I still have a lot to contribute and I am hopeful of playing beyond 2016.

"I am also determined to play finals again with the club and be part of our next period of on-field success."

St Kilda coach Alan Richardson said the club went through a rigorous process to select its captain, but it was always likely Riewoldt would be returned by his teammates.

"When you have a person the calibre of Nick, it comes as no surprise when he is picked by his teammates to be captain," Richardson said.

"It really just came down to if he still had the passion for the role and, having spoken to him, there is no doubt he has the fire in the belly to lead.

"To be honest, it will be a healthy situation for the club if there are other strong young candidates putting up their hand for the captain's role in 2016 but Nick is definitely the right man to take us forward in 2015."