Chris Newman today announced that he was stepping down as Richmond’s captain.

Newman told his teammates in the rooms before the Tigers’ Round 23 home-and-away round clash with Port Adelaide at the MCG, that it would be his last game wearing the famous captain’s No. 17 Yellow and Black guernsey.  

The 30-year-old believes the timing is right for him to hand over the captaincy reins, while he continues as a player next season.

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“It’s probably something I’ve been thinking about for a little while.  I think it’s just the right time,” Newman said.

“I’ve had the privilege of being captain for four years, and I think whoever takes over this role can lead the boys into the success that I think is coming.

“I still pinch myself a bit.  To captain an AFL side, let alone the Richmond Football Club, is mind-blowing when I think of it.

“I don’t think I’d step away from the role if I didn’t think there would be players who could lead the way.  Whoever that player is, I’ve got the utmost confidence that they’ll do an even better job than I did.”

Newman took over the captaincy from Kane Johnson in late 2008.

He’s earned considerable praise during that time for his fine leadership qualities and the professional manner in which he has conducted himself.

The Club will undertake its customary process before appointing Newman’s successor.