ST KILDA’S flawless start to the season has been further sweetened by the news defender Sam Fisher has re-signed with the club until the end of 2012.

Fisher had a career-best season in 2008, winning the St Kilda best and fairest and All-Australian selection.

The 26-year-old is the latest Saint to pen a contract extension in 2009 after fellow defender Sam Gilbert signed on for a further two years at the start of the season.

St Kilda’s general manager of football and list management Matthew Drain said the signing was huge news for the Saints.

“Sam is a vital part of our structure and a key component of the effort and endeavour currently being shown by the entire team,” Drain said.

“With over 100 games of AFL experience, we are seeing Sam deliver week-in, week-out and we look forward to his consistent performances continuing over the coming years.

“The commitment shown by our current group of players is critical to the ongoing development and success of the St Kilda Football Club.”

Fisher is widely regarded as one of the AFL’s elite defenders and won the Trevor Barker Medal after finishing second and third in the two years leading up to 2008.

He has played 102 games for the Saints since he was drafted from West Adelaide with pick 55 in the 2003 National Draft.