ST KILDA has tied promising youngster Josh Saunders to the club until the end of 2017.

 

The 20-year-old has played 20 games (10 in 2013 and 2014) since being selection No.43 at the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.

 

Saunders burst out of the blocks against Melbourne in round one to be among the team's best players and played in the first seven games of the season.

 

He was dropped but returned for two games mid-season and then played in round 21 before being omitted. He also showed good form with Sandringham in the VFL.

 

"I started the year in the AFL fairly well and played the first seven games," Saunders told the club’s website.

 

"Then I dropped away a little bit, but I think I played fairly well towards the end of the year in the VFL."

 

St Kilda football manager Chris Pelchen hopes the pacy youngster, who came out of the Geelong College program, will develop into a midfielder who can run with the ball.

 

"Josh is an energetic young player who has provided genuine run and carry for the Saints forward of the centre," Pelchen told SAINTS.com.au.

"His running ability provides a real example to the other players on the training track. As he develops a mature body, we anticipate he will be able to spend some more time through the midfield."

St Kilda announced on Monday it had signed NAB Rising Star nominee Luke Dunstan and it is expected to announce an extension to emerging star Jack Billings within the next fortnight.

 

The Saints are also expected to announce several other re-signings in the next three weeks as part of their 'Future Fest' campaign.