ST KILDA defender Steven Baker's season is officially over after an arthroscopy on his right knee.

Hampered by the joint, Baker has only played two games in 2008 – after 18 last year – and has not represented the Saints since round seven.

The start to Baker's year was forced by suspension, serving a seven-match ban for striking Fremantle's Jeff Farmer in round 20, 2007.

He was recalled for the club's loss to Port Adelaide in round six and played against Richmond the following week, when he suffered a knock to the knee.

The 28-year-old made a return in the VFL in his recovery, but struggled, and has felt soreness in the last few weeks.

"Steven and the medical staff made a decision to have the arthroscopy done to clean up his knee," St Kilda's general manager of football operations Matthew Drain said in a statement on Friday.

"He’ll be missed for the remainder of the season but is expected to complete a full pre-season and be ready for the start of next year."

St Kilda's best stopper, Baker shared St Kilda's best and fairest award with Luke Ball in 2005.