Star St Kilda midfielder Jack Steven says it’s an honour to be elevated into the leadership group, but admits he still has a lot to improve when it comes to this area of his football.

The reigning club champion was the only change to the current leadership hierarchy within the playing group, with his inclusion expanding the group to an eight-man team, led by Captain Nick Riewoldt who was appointed for the 11th season.

Steven has emerged as the most valuable player inside Linen House Centre in the last three seasons, winning two Trevor Barker Awards to establish himself amongst the upper echelon of midfielders in the competition.

“It’s obviously a huge honour that the boys have voted me in. I’m just looking forward to the year ahead and just trying to help lead the boys forward,” Steven told saints.com.au on Tuesday.

“I think it’s come along a long way – it’s still got a long way to go. But I think the way I lead is through my actions on the field and on the track. I’m still developing with my voice and instruction.”

Steven said the example displayed by veteran leaders Riewoldt and Sean Dempster exemplified what it takes to get the best out of yourself, both on and off the field.

“They’ve been huge contributors, just the way they train and prepare is the way I model what I do,” Steven said.

“And just the way ‘Rooey’ represents himself and the club away from footy and (the way he) addresses the media is really impressive.”

Laidback and quietly spoken, Steven doesn’t seek the limelight that is commonly associated with a footballer of his calibre.

But inside the four walls at Seaford, the 25-year-old is someone the young crop of players seek out for advice and guidance.

“I think I’m pretty approachable. If one of the younger boys have a little bit of an issue I think that will be one of my strengths where they can come to me and I can raise it with the older boys,” Steven said.