Young midfielder Jack Ziebell is also touted as a major contender for the top on-field job.

Ziebell, who turns 21 later this month, would become the third-youngest captain in league history if appointed.

Brent Harvey, 33, said last week he was keen to continue in the role but he understood the club needed to have a transition phase.

Petrie has been Harvey’s vice-captain for the past three seasons.

The 29-year-old was thought to be keen to take on the role but is expecting Ziebell and reigning joint club champion Andrew Swallow, 24, to be strongly considered.

One of the new captain’s first tasks will be to lead the Kangaroos on their Ballarat community camp on Mondau and Tuesday.

Kangaroos coach Brad Scott praised Harvey for his efforts as captain over the past three seasons and said Harvey could play a similar role to former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting.

Ponting is playing on with success at 37 and is an on-field mentor for new Test skipper Michael Clarke.

Scott says Harvey had been an outstanding leader over a long period.

“He is a player who I think can really support the next generational leader,” Scott said. “We have an embarrassment of riches in terms of young leaders.”

North’s youngest captain was David Dench at 20 years and 221 days in 1972, while Kangaroos great Wayne Carey was at 21 years and 303 days when appointed in 1993.