ST KILDA midfielder Luke Dunstan has been rewarded for an outstanding debut season, signing a two-year contract extension.
The 19-year-old, who is now tied to the club until the end of 2017, is the first of a series of re-signings the Saints are set to announce over the next three weeks.
Nominated for the NAB AFL Rising Star in round one, he played 16 games before having shoulder surgery to ensure he was fit for the start of next pre-season.
Dunstan is expected to be joined by young guns Jack Billings and Blake Acres in the Saints' run of contract extensions, with rookies Eli Templeton and Mav Weller also expected to earn elevation to the senior list.
"We can feel that something is building," Dunstan said.
"Not only the players but also the coaches and staff get the same feeling.
"There is a lot of work ahead over the next few years but it’s definitely building."
Billings, Dunstan and Acres were selected by the Saints with their three first-round selections in last year's NAB AFL Draft – No.3, 18 and 19.
The promise they showed in 2014 justified the club's decision to rebuild aggressively through the draft, with the club searching for a similar set of picks this year.
The Saints hold selections No.1 and No.21 but have confirmed they are hoping to secure a third prime pick between those two this year.
Head of football Chris Pelchen said Dunstan had impressed everyone at the club since arriving late last year.
"Luke has had an outstanding debut season … his leadership and maturity among the young players provides a role model well beyond his years," Pelchen said.
"Luke is a highly committed and respected player in the team and we look forward to him becoming an integral part of our midfield in the future."
