St Kilda defender Sam Gilbert appears set to finish as a one-club player after agreeing a new contract with the AFL club.

The 29-year-old has signed a deal that will tie him to the club until at least the end of 2017.

Gilbert joins star midfielder David Armitage, defender Sean Dempster and ruckmen Tom Hickey and Jason Holmes, all recent re-signings with the club.

Coach Alan Richardson also extended his contract until at least the end of 2018.

Richardson said Gilbert would continue to bring leadership and playing experience to St Kilda’s young group.

“We have an exciting group at the club now and a lot of young players basically starting out on their AFL journeys. They can learn a lot from the examples set by Sam,” Richardson told the club website.

“The persistence and determination he has shown in coming back from long-term injury to re-establish himself as a key part of our team is a testament to his character.”

Gilbert has played 156 games since debuting in 2006, including 10 this year.

The Saints finish their season against West Coast on Saturday night.