Saints re-sign quartet on short-term deals

St Kilda has re-signed four players for the 2024 season.

St Kilda has earned recommitments for a quartet of players, re-signing each of Liam Stocker, Jimmy Webster, Ryan Byrnes, and Zak Jones for the 2024 season.

Whether down back or through the middle, each of Stocker and Byrnes enjoyed sound seasons under head coach Ross Lyon, featuring in 23 and 20 games respectively.

For Webster, 2023 saw the no-nonsense stopper achieve a personal milestone, with the Tasmanian tough-nut making his 150th appearance for the Saints during the club’s elimination final loss against GWS.

Though Jones only featured on four occasions in 2023 due to injury, the former Swan possesses a work rate that is sure to be to Lyon’s liking.

Speaking within a club statement on Monday afternoon, Saints acting GM David Misson claimed the quartet had all earned their extensions.

“We’re very pleased to have Liam, Ryan, Zak and Jimmy sign on for 2024,” Misson told Saints Media.

“All four proved their capabilities on-field in this season, and most importantly, showed they have plenty more left to offer as we look to build upon what we achieved.

“Liam’s passion for the club is evident, especially on game day, and his relentless attitude to make it back onto an AFL list has held him in good stead.

“Ryan has flourished and shown he has the makings to be part of our future, while Jimmy and Zak have the experience behind them to play critical roles moving forward.”

At present, the Saints have five names still without deals for next season; Hunter Clark, Tom Highmore, Daniel McKenzie, Tom Campbell, Jade Gresham and Nick Coffield.

While the latter pair are set to depart Moorabbin to join Essendon and the Western Bulldogs respectively, News Corp has reported that Campbell appears likely to earn his own one-year extension after taking out the Saints’ Best Clubman Award this season.