ST KILDA forward Tim Membrey has signed a two-year contract extension in what the club says is recognition for his "breakout season".  

It will keep the 22-year-old at the Saints until at least the end of 2019. 

"He obviously had a breakout season this year kicking 44 goals and playing 17 games, which was a reward for his hard work," chief operating officer Ameet Bains told saints.com.au. 

"It was obviously disappointing for Tim to undergo a shoulder reconstruction at the end of the 2015 season, but it allowed him to get a lot fitter and as a result his football improved significantly with an improved endurance base.

"At the age of just 22, we still think there is significant room for improvement still left in Tim. So we are delighted that he has locked in with us for at least the next three seasons at the club." 

The Saints' leading goalkicker last season, he's kicked 53 career goals in his 30 senior games.

Membrey was taken with pick 46 in the 2012 NAB AFL Draft.