NICK Riewoldt has officially stepped down as captain of St Kilda.

It had been mooted for much of the season that the Saints would opt for a new skipper next season, and Riewoldt confirmed the news at the club's best and fairest on Thursday night.

Riewoldt, 33, captained the team for a club record 11 years and finishes third on the all-time list of games captained with 220.

Carlton's Stephen Kernahan (226) and Essendon's Dick Reynolds (224) are the only two players to have captained their side on more occasions.

"In the interest of the footy club it's the right time for me to step aside to give a new player the opportunity to lead," Riewoldt said.

Coach Alan Richardson paid tribute the six-time All Australian's contribution to the club.

"All at St Kilda Football Club would like to thank Nick Riewoldt for his unparalleled commitment, service and contribution to the club as captain for the past eleven years," Richardson said.

Jack Steven and Jarryn Geary are considered the frontrunners to take on the job from 2017.