Star AFL midfielder Stephen Coniglio has taken another step to leading Greater Western Sydney with his elevation to the vice-captaincy.

Coniglio replaces Heath Shaw in the role after the veteran defender’s decision to stand aside, with co-captains Phil Davis and Callan Ward retaining their positions for the sixth-straight year.

The 23-year-old Coniglio has played 85 games since being drafted with pick two before the Giants’ inaugural year in 2012.

“From day one, with a number of other guys, we’ve always wanted to chase success and the quickest path to get there is trying to help others to get on board,” Coniglio told reporters on Tuesday.

“That’s a way of leadership and something I’ve really tried to hone down in the last couple of years.”

It’s not Coniglio’s first taste of leadership, captaining the side in a pre-season clash last year.

Shaw maintains a spot in the leadership group, along with young stars Dylan Shiel, Devon Smith and Josh Kelly.