St Kilda Unveils New Leadership Structure with Co-Captains and Expanded Group
In a significant move for the club, St Kilda has officially appointed Callum Wilkie and Jack Sinclair as their new co-captains, while breakout star Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera has been elevated into a leadership role. This leadership reshuffle comes after the Saints effectively forced out former captain Jack Steele, who stepped down before sealing a move to Melbourne, marking a new era for the team.
Leadership Transition and Club Vision
The appointment of Wilkie and Sinclair, both former rookies, is seen as a strategic step to lead St Kilda's rise up the ladder. The Saints have invested heavily in retaining key talent, securing Wanganeen-Milera on a lucrative two-year deal despite interest from Adelaide and Port Adelaide, while also recruiting players like Tom De Koning, Sam Flanders, Liam Ryan, and Jack Silvagni to bolster their squad.
Football boss Lenny Hayes praised the new co-captains, stating, "Cal and Jack have earned the trust of this playing group. 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."
Profiles of the New Co-Captains
Callum Wilkie, a defender who rejected interest from the Western Bulldogs last year, has been a stalwart for St Kilda since his debut in Round 1, 2019, not missing a single game. His accolades include being named All-Australian in 2023 and winning St Kilda’s best and fairest award the following year. Wilkie expressed his commitment, saying, "Our goals as a playing group are big, but so is our commitment to doing the work required to achieve them."
Jack Sinclair, a half-back with 210 games under his belt, has also been a standout performer, earning All-Australian honors and winning St Kilda’s best and fairest in both 2022 and 2023. Sinclair emphasized the responsibility ahead, noting, "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."
Expanded Leadership Group and Future Prospects
In addition to the co-captains, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, aged 22, has been included in St Kilda’s six-man leadership group for the first time. He is joined by Marcus Windhager, Mitch Owens, and Mason Wood, forming a dynamic core aimed at steering the club forward. Hayes highlighted the significance of this move, stating, "It’s a positive sign for our future. Nas, Marcus and Mitch are highly competitive and deeply invested in this club."
This leadership overhaul reflects St Kilda's ambitious plans to rebuild and compete at higher levels, with a focus on fostering accountability and teamwork among players.
