ST KILDA defender James Gwilt believes youngster Arryn Siposs has what it takes to fill the void left by the departure of Brendon Goddard.
 
Siposs played 11 games in 2012, kicking nine goals, but Gwilt said a move to the backline could see the 20-year-old become a natural replacement for Goddard, who joined Essendon as a free agent last year.
 
"I reckon Arryn Siposs (will take over his role)," Gwilt said.
 
"He’s come from the forward line, he’s been playing half-back and (up to) the wing almost.
 
"So I reckon he’s the one that has stepped-up over the pre-season with his running and his training.
 
"He’s been in really good form in the NAB Cup, so I reckon 'Sippo' is the one that will step up I reckon."
 
Gwilt said the ability of Siposs to hit targets coming out of the backline would see him used as one of the club’s designated kickers.
 
"His skills are vital for us," Gwilt said.
 
"Especially with him being that defensive player that he is, and also on the wing coming through the midfield.
 
"We want to get the ball in his hands, because he’s such a super-long kick too, so he’s got really good skills."
 
Another in contention to take over Goddard's role is youngster Jack Newnes, a utility who can be used at both ends of the ground.

"I've been playing up forward, wing, inside and back so that's probably a big one for me because we've got a lot of solid older players that have cemented their role," Newnes told AFL.com.au this month

"That's been a big thing for me. To be able to play in different areas, so that I can get a game."

Meanwhile, with current skipper Nick Riewoldt set to hand over the captaincy reins in the coming years, Gwilt threw up a surprise name for who he thinks should be his successor.
 
"Benny McEvoy, he’s a very natural-born leader," Gwilt said.
 
"He’s pretty vocal around the club and meetings and what not, I don’t want to put any pressure on him, but he’s one that could step up and fill that role."

Arryn Siposs is a forward in AFL Fantasy. He averaged 63 points in 2012. Register your team at our AFL Fantasy hub.