ST KILDA veteran Sam Fisher will play on next year after signing a one-year contract extension with the club.

AFL.com.au reported last week that the 33-year-old was on the verge of agreeing to the new deal and it was confirmed on Wednesday.

The important defender played 18 games this season after two years that were ruined by injury, and he said he was enthused by the club's youthful list.

"We have such a young and exciting group that has worked hard to produce some good, solid performances and I'm really looking forward to seeing their improvement in the future," Fisher said.

The 2016 season will be his 13th at the club, and the 216-gamer has plenty to add to a young and developing group that surprised many to win six games this season, two more than in 2014.

"Sam's form this year has been outstanding and shows how important his role is within the team," Saints coach Alan Richardson told the club website.

"He also provides great leadership, particularly for our young defenders, and his experience goes a long way in developing our young group."

Fisher's commitment adds to a list of Saints who have signed on for next year and beyond, having recently tied Sam Gilbert and Sean Dempster to new deals.

The club is also in the market for a key defender during the trade period as one of several interested parties in Essendon's Jake Carlisle.

Carlisle ended months of speculation on Tuesday when he officially informed the Bombers of his desire to be traded this year.