He may not have the aura and profile of a Luke Hodge, but new St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary is the perfect man to lead St Kilda into a new era, ex-skipper Nick Riewoldt says.

Geary, who has played 141 games after starting his career as a rookie, has been announced as Saints captain following Riewoldt's decision to step down from the role having led the club for 11 seasons.

Riewoldt -- who, along with Leigh Montagna and Sean Dempster also withdrew from the Saints' leadership group -- said Geary was a standout choice to step up to the role.

He added the time was right for a younger group to take ownership of the team.

"He absolutely is the best man for the job," Riewoldt told ESPN.

"He's a great story - a former rookie who had to forge an AFL career through sheer hard work, and now he's an ultra-consistent player who executes his role day-in, day-out.

"Jarryn lives and breathes the St Kilda trademarks on and off the field.

"We have a lot of good young leaders emerging and it was a natural progression for them to develop together and lead the club."

Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images

Geary, who finished fifth and runner-up in club's past two club championships, stepped in for Riewoldt when the star veteran was injured late last season.

Geary will be joined in the leadership group by Dylan Roberton, Seb Ross and Josh Bruce, after a vote among the squad. Then, that collection of leaders -- as well as Riewoldt, Montagna and Dempster -- held their own vote to decide on who would be captain. Geary was the unanimous choice.

Riewoldt said the 28-year-old had improved his leadership considerably in past years.

"The most important role a captain performs is his ability to deliver on the field, and Jarryn does that," he said.

"He leads by example through his consistency and courageousness. He may not be Luke Hodge-like in teams of his profile, but he has always led by example and certainly challenges his teammates when he needs to.

"He'll continue to evolve and improve as a leader but I know the club is in good hands."

Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images

Riewoldt said he was feeling enthusiastic about the season ahead - both personally and collectively.

"I'm really comfortable about it [not being captain]. It was the right time," he said. "I'll still lead in my own way and offer my absolute support to Jarryn, but I won't take a backward step if something needs to be said.

"It's an exciting time for the club - we've put no limitations as to what's possible for 2017."

St Kilda finished just outside the top eight last year, but have been tipped by many to force their way into the finals this year after recruiting mature-age talents Jack Steele, Koby Stevens and Nathan Brown in the off-season.

They also welcome former Bomber Jake Carlisle, who missed all of 2016 due to suspension arising from Essendon's controversial supplements regime.