Speaking at Moorabbin, coach Ross Lyon said he decided only this week that Riewoldt was the right man to captain alone, narrowly edging out a host of other candidates for the honour.
Lenny Hayes will serve as Riewoldt’s deputy.
Riewoldt was one of three co-captains last season, along with Hayes and Luke Ball, who stepped down from his position during the off-season.
“With where the group’s at and with the ability to observe Nick and Lenny and all the other leaders’ behaviours [over summer], between the match committee and the executive and the leadership group, we’ve come to this decision,”
“We’re really pleased with it and confident that, for a long period of time – Nick’s 25, he’s contracted for a long time and he loves St Kilda – it’ll stand us in good stead for a long period and reduce any conjecture over ensuing pre-seasons.”
Lyon, who was comfortable with the co-captaincy system, said Hayes was not the only strong contender for the job. But Riewoldt, he said, was the right choice.
“Nick chooses to train hard consistently every session,”
“Nick chooses to compete hard every minute of the game, he chooses to be courageous, he chooses to stand up under pressure and the behaviours that we value around here, he models them exceptionally well.”
Riewoldt, a four-time best and fairest, captained the side in 2005 under the rotation system and said he had learned from his previous experience.
“It was a great experience and a great opportunity but obviously with a few more years’ experience … I’m far better equipped [to captain] now,” Riewoldt said.
“I feel absolutely confident and absolutely ready that I’m capable of handling the job and I know I’ve got the full support of the club and my teammates.”
