NICK Riewoldt hopes the progression of St Kilda's young leaders means his record-breaking 10^th season as captain is his last in the role.

Riewoldt will this year overtake former full-back Danny Frawley as the club's captaincy record holder.

He was confirmed for the main job from a seven-man leadership group, which includes last year's leaders Leigh Montagna, David Armitage, Sean Dempster and Jarryn Geary, and newcomers Mav Weller and Jack Newnes.

Ask the coach: Alan Richardson

The Saints have elected to structure the group with Riewoldt at the helm and no official vice-captain.

While honoured to be given the main role for another season, Riewoldt said he hoped there would be even more candidates considered in 12 months time.

"I think it would be great to have multiple options. In an ideal world you've got a real range of leaders and you're spoilt for choice," Riewoldt said.

"We're getting closer to that.

"Hopefully next year we're in a position to have a different discussion - I think that would be really helpful for the football club.

"I'm committed to the role now, for next year or as long as I need to be in it, but I think it's really healthy that Newnesy and Mav have come into the group. 

"Hopefully next year there will be another couple of guys step in."

The Saints have been using leadership consultants Leading Teams since coach Alan Richardson came to the club, with "significant weight" given to player feedback when assembling the seven-man group.

Riewoldt, who signed a two-year contract extension late last year, said he remained "highly motivated" going into another season, despite the Saints' recent lack of on-field success.

"It's more about trying to make each year count, and this year presents as exciting a challenge as I've had at any stage," he said.

"You want to lead by example, you want to be really challenging and assertive with the group and you want to teach the group, especially with how young they are. 

"I've clearly been a part of some really successful teams and the motivation there is a little bit different to what it is now.

"Now it's about leading strongly for a young group to make sure that we can continue our climb up the ladder."

The Saints won just four games last season and suffered some heavy blow-out losses; to Adelaide in round four by 86 points, Hawthorn in round seven by 145 points, Collingwood in round 11 by 86 points, Geelong in round 13 by 96 points and Carlton in round 16 by 85 points, to name a few. 

Reducing such damage in situations like those is a key focus for the Saints this year, which Riewoldt said came back to ensuring their effort was sustained from quarter to quarter.

"We're not going to go anywhere unless the entire group gets fitter and stronger and faster and more proficient at the game plan - that's what we're working towards," he said.

"I think you'll be able to see in the two hours on the weekend the way that we go about it. Wins and losses are a byproduct of the effort that we give."