St Kilda trio Nick Dal Santo, Justin Koschitzke and Leigh Montagna have been made life members of the AFL club.

The three players received the recognition at the Saints’ 2012 season launch held at the National Gallery of Victoria on Wednesday night.

Dal Santo was drafted in the 2001 from the Bendigo Pioneers, making his St Kilda debut in 2001 against Geelong during round four.

The three time All-Australian has played 216 games and kicked 118 goals.

Among his achievements, the skillful midfielder finished third in both the 2009 and 2011 Brownlow Medal Vote.

“I’m very honoured and privileged to receive a Life Membership at a club that has had so much history and has been around for so long,” Dal Santo said.

“I’ve learnt so much and met so many great people in the decade I’ve been here.”

The versatile Koschitzke made his debut for the Saints against West Coast in 2001 during round three, after being drafted from the Murray Bushrangers.

“It’s impossible to play with one club for so long and finish up a worse person. I think I am definitely a better person since joining, and that’s all thanks to the St Kilda football club,” he said.

He was named the winner of AFL’s Rising Star in 2001 and has since made 176 games and has kicked 216 goals.

Montagna meanwhile, who has played 169 games and kicked 100 goals, made his debut for the Saints in 2002.

The hard-running wingman is a two-time All-Australian and was an International Rules representative in 2008 and 2010.

“I’m grateful for all of the opportunities St Kilda has given me over the years,” Montagna said.

“I’m excited about the fact I’ll be a part of the St Kilda football club for the rest of my life.”

Players are eligible for Saints life memberships after they reach 150 games and 10 years service to the club.