ST KILDA midfielder Seb Ross has been rewarded for a stellar season that saw him win his maiden best and fairest by having his contract extended until the end of 2021.
Ross had not been due to come out of contract until the end of 2018 but the Saints locked him in for an extra three seasons.
The 24-year-old played every game and finished eighth in the competition for average disposals, with 30 per match.
He told NAB AFL Trade Radio on Monday his personal connections at St Kilda made him want to re-sign.
"This is my sixth year at the Saints and I have really good relationships with all the football staff, and more importantly, the players at the club," Ross said.
"I've been able to really build great relationships with those guys over six years, so it was really a no-brainer to sign on for a few more years."
The left-footer is the cousin of retired Essendon star Jobe Watson.
Ross sees goalkicking as an area of improvement, having booted 13 in his career.
"I haven't kicked too many goals in my 81 games and I do enjoy kicking a goal when I do, so if I can get on the board a bit more, I'd be happy with that," Ross said.
The Saints finished 11th this season and posted one fewer win than 2016, when they had 12.
However, Ross saw the team improving significantly in the near future.
"I don't think we're that far off. Looking back at our past two seasons, we didn't win as many games this season as we did the year before, but looking back at the draw, we had a lot tougher draw," Ross said.
"There was still improvement in our game this year and I think getting another pre-season into the likes of guys like Jade Gresham and Jack Billings, I've just got a feeling those guys are really ready to take the next step."
Chief operating officer Ameet Bains believed Ross could become better.
"Seb was elected to our leadership group this year and relished the responsibility that comes with that," Bains said.
"He is one of the hardest workers at the football club and someone who sets an example for his teammates to follow both during the week and in his performance on match-day.
"Given his stellar season, I know our fans will be excited to know Seb has re-committed to the club for a further three years.
"We think he can improve even further and be part of a really strong midfield group next year that has already shown at stages what a potent combination they can become."
Ross was drafted at No.25 in 2011 and has played 49 consecutive games, stretching back to round 19, 2015.
