Billy Slater says his first impressions of St Kilda’s leaders has been nothing but positive since arriving at Moorabbin in a mentoring role.
The Melbourne Storm champion has spent the pre-season working with the Saints leadership group in trying to shape a strong culture that can lay the foundations for more on-field success in the future.
Jarryn Geary was announced as St Kilda’s skipper for a third straight season, with Seb Ross, Dan Hannebery, Tim Membrey and Dylan Roberton making up the five-man leadership group for the 2019 campaign.
Slater also singled out praise for two young Saints who he believes could occupy leadership positions in the coming years.
“He (Geary) is our captain and he’s a fantastic leader,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“Seb Ross leads by example and when he talks, everyone listens.
“I’ve been really impressed with Dan Hannebery, but some of the young guys coming through like Nick Coffield, Jack Steele – these guys are leaders of the future.”
“They are only young in their careers and I think they’ve got a huge future ahead of them. Not only on the field but off the field on terms of leading this club into a new successful era.”
Alan Richardson’s men open the new season against Gold Coast at Marvel Stadium on March 24.
Listen to Billy Slater's chat on SEN Breakfast with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson in the player below