Andrew Swallow has stepped down as North Melbourne captain, after five seasons and 102 games in charge.
Swallow took over the role from Brent Harvey prior to the 2012 season and has led the Kanagaroos to three finals series and two preliminary finals.
The 29-year-old made the announcement at the club's best and fairest awards night on Friday.
"It's been an absolute honour to lead this football club for the last five years. It's a childhood dream to be able to walk out in front of 90,000 fans at the MCG as captain of the football club," Swallow said.
"But my time has come to step aside, to encourage the step generation of leaders to take over and to be there to support them and guide them.
"And one thing that I'm really excited about is being able to see these leaders really grow and develop. I think we're in absolutely terrific hands with some guys who have really taken some big strides forward.
"I couldn't be more thrilled to stand side by side with them and take this football club back to where we want to be."
Vice-captain Jack Ziebell is the favourite to take over the captaincy.