IN ANOTHER day of positive announcements for St Kilda Football Club, emerging stars Jack Newnes and Mav Weller were announced as members of the new-look, seven-man leadership group.

Newnes, 21 (22 on the 24th February) and Weller, 22 (23 this Friday the 13th February), were selected by teammates after demonstrating strong leadership traits. They replace Lenny Hayes (retired) and join fellow Leadership Group members Nick Riewoldt (c), Leigh Montagna, Sean Dempster, David Armitage and Jarryn Geary.

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Interestingly, this is not the first time Weller has been part of an AFL club leadership group. The 48-game Tasmanian was a member of the inaugural Gold Coast club leadership group.

Coach Alan Richardson said he expected both players to grow into their new jobs and drive cultural standards and behaviours, especially amongst the younger group.

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“Jack and Mav are quality young men and will play big roles on and off the field in our future success and growth as a club – they deserve this opportunity,” Richardson said.

“It’s important that we build our next level of leadership now. Guys like Nick Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna and Sean Dempster are veterans and I believe this season is the right time to seriously start that transition.”

CEO Matt Finnis said the Saints’ off-season continued to build momentum after a raft of positive announcements including:

• Securing Dare Iced Coffee as club Principle Partner

• Signing 25,000 members by 25 December (a club record)

• Re-signing 19 young players as part of the Saints Future Fest

• Securing a raft of exciting young talent at the National Draft (including promising talls Paddy McCartin and Hugh Goddard) and;

• Employing an inaugural General Manager Football Performance (Jamie Cox) and Director of Coaching (Danny Sexton).

“There is an exciting new era taking shape at St Kilda and it’s great to see the next generation of club leaders being announced today in Mav Weller and Jack Newnes,” Finnis said.

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