St Kilda forward-ruckman Rhys Stanley has committed to the AFL club until the end of 2015.
The 200cm 21-year-old, who is in his fourth year on the Saints’ list, had played just nine senior games before this season.
But under new coach Scott Watters, he played the first eight games this season, before sustaining a hamstring injury, which still has him sidelined.
The South Australian said the faith shown by Watters helped convince him to re-sign.
“He has given me the opportunity this year, so obviously being the senior coach, he has certainly played a role in me wanting to stay,” Stanley said.
Watters said Stanley was becoming an important player for the Saints, with his ability to play in attack and add ruck depth.