Riewoldt, who had publicly expressed his desire to keep playing, has signed a one-year contract extension.

The champion forward, who has enjoyed spending more time in the midfield this season, has 309 games to his credit – but will miss Sunday's clash against Carlton at Etihad Stadium because of a sore knee.

He joined Michael Voss last weekend in fourth spot in having led a team for 210 matches – and will pass Footscray legend Ted Whitten (212) into outright third in the next month. He will now have the chance to usurp the record held by Carlton great Stephen Kernahan (226) – should he retain the role next year.

He also sits in fourth spot behind fellow club greats Harvey (383), Nathan Burke (323) and Stewart Loewe (321) for most games played as a Saint, and will also pass the latter pair injury permitting next season.

Riewoldt, who will turn 34 in October, said on Saturday he was delighted to have the chance to suit up for a 17th season.

"I'm just really excited by the direction the club's heading. It's been a really enjoyable year so far. We know we've still got a lot of challenges in front of us and a lot of improvement to make," he said.

"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. We were all pretty happy to keep moving forward so I'm really excited.

"It's probably been the best I've felt in four or five years to be honest. Clearly, a bit of a setback on the weekend but, hopefully, (will) just miss the one week and be back post the bye.

"As long as your mind's willing to keep going and do the work you can overcome certain setbacks.

"It's been the young players that really keep the older players refreshed and invigorated to keep giving great effort. I feel really good about my footy and where the club's heading in general."

But it is still not clear whether he will remain as skipper next year. The Saints have floated the option of change in recent years but the meticulous Riewoldt has remained the best man for the job.

"I'm not too sure at this stage. Clearly, for the rest of the year I'll stay in that role – even this week I'm not too sure which of the boys will fulfil that role," Riewoldt said.

"The young guys are really stepping up their leadership. It's really important that that occurs for us to go to another level."

The Saints' eight-man leadership group comprises Riewoldt, Leigh Montagna, Jack Steven, Mav Weller, Jack Newnes, Sean Dempster, Jarryn Geary and David Armitage.

Riewoldt, along with veteran teammate Montagna, are determined to again feature in the finals before their careers are over but the Saints remain in a rebuilding mode, with their inconsistency and performances on the road frustrating many.

Riewoldt said the rejigged forward line, leaving Paddy McCartin, Josh Bruce and Tim Membrey, at times, as the primary marking options, was a work in progress. He still has 21 goals this season, behind only Bruce (24).

"They've taken some big steps forward. It was a little bit up in the air, at first, how the three talls were going to work down there with me up on the wing as almost a fourth tall. But it's gone really well. So the future's there, it's going to be a really exciting forward line for a long time," Riewoldt said.

Saints chief operating officer Ameet Bains said negotiations with Riewoldt and his management had been "pretty straight forward":

"We're really pleased to re-sign Nick for another season. Given his performances across the first half of this season and his physical and mental shape, both parties feel confident that Nick can continue to make an impact in 2017," he said.

"Nick's decision to extend his career is an endorsement of the direction we are heading in as a football club and the faith he has in our football program under Alan Richardson.

"With the emergence of our young key forwards in Josh Bruce, Paddy McCartin and Tim Membrey this season, we think they will all be key beneficiaries of Nick's decision to play on, as well as the rest of our young players."

Most games as a VFL-AFL captain:

226: Stephen Kernahan (Carlton)

224: Dick Reynolds (Essendon)

212: Ted Whitten (Footscray)

210: Michael Voss (Brisbane)*

210: Nick Riewoldt (St Kilda)*

* Includes games as co-captain