ST KILDA is close to re-signing midfielder Farren Ray, drawing on his experience as it builds the foundations for its next successful era.
The 27-year-old midfielder has played 171 games since the Western Bulldogs used the number four pick to select him in the 2003 draft.
Ray joined the Saints in 2009 after 75 games with the Western Bulldogs and became a key player in the line-up that played in the 2009 and 2010 Grand Finals.
His career looked to have stalled under new coach Scott Watters during 2012 when he played just 11 games.
Melbourne pursued the 27-year-old during the 2012 trade period but a deal was not done, despite last minute attempts by the Demons to secure him.
Ray reset himself and has revived his career this season, playing 14 games and being an impressive contributor in the midfield.
He has good endurance, is durable and adds much needed experience as the St Kilda list undergoes a transition between eras.
It is understood a new contract will commit him to the club until the end of 2015.
St Kilda has several unrestricted free agents on its list this season with Stephen Milne, Lenny Hayes, Justin Koschitzke and Jason Blake all nearing the end of their careers.
None of the four have determined whether or not they will play on next year, but as 200-game players for the club they will have a big say in their future.
Another veteran whose career is being debated, Nick Dal Santo, has a trigger clause in his contract tying him to the club next season.
All five were part of a successful era at the club, despite falling short of a premiership, and the Saints are keen to minimise the impact on the club's fortunes when their careers end over the next few years.
Despite just three wins in 2013, the Saints have been competitive in most games and look to have recruited well in recent seasons.
"Improvement takes time. You look at Jack Newnes and Jimmy Webster, Arryn Siposs comes back in…we'll stay together and we'll work through what is a tough period, but we're very clear on the direction we're heading," Watters said after Saturday night's loss to Geelong.
