Riewoldt signs new AFL deal with Saints

St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt could overtake Carlton’s Stephen Kernahan for the most games as an AFL captain after signing on for another AFL season.

The Saints announced late on Saturday night that Riewoldt will play next year after signing a one-year deal.

It means the 33-year-old key forward, who played his 300th game in round two, will extend his career at the Saints into a 17th season.

Riewoldt has captained the Saints for 210 matches, joining Brisbane’s Michael Voss at equal-fourth.

Kernahan leads the all-time list at 226.

Riewoldt is set to overtake Kernahan if he captains the Saints next season.

Im not too sure at this stage – clearly for the rest of the year I will stay in that role,” Riewoldt said.

Riewoldt was forced out of Sunday’s match against Carlton with a knee injury.

The six-time club best and fairest winner has been in great form this season, kicking 21 goals in 11 matches.

Im just really excited by the direction the clubs heading,” Riewoldt said.

“Its been a really enjoyable year so far.

“We know weve still got a lot of challenges in front of us and a lot of improvement to make.

“So for me it was about making sure my body was right and my mind was right to continue and then having the support of the club to do so.”

Despite the knee injury, Riewoldt said this is the best his body has felt for the last four or five years.

He hopes to only miss Sunday’s game and return after their round-13 bye.

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