St Kilda will unveil Jarryn Geary as its new captain in the coming days putting an official end to the Nick Riewoldt leadership era.

The 28-year-old former rookie has won the support of his teammates and coaches as the club prepares to ratify a transformed and relatively youthful leadership group which will not include Riewoldt.

Top Gear: Jarryn Geary will captain St Kilda in 2017. Credit:Getty Images

Fairfax Media understands Riewoldt, 34, Leigh Montagna and Sean Dempster (both 33) all withdrew from contention when the players voted for this season's new-look leaders effectively removing 43 years of playing experience from the leadership group.

While Geary's promotion has yet to be ratified by the Saints' board, that appears a formality. He has been seen by Riewoldt for several seasons as his heir apparent and was endorsed earlier this month by Montagna.