TOM Simpkin is eager to make an impact on the new Saints defensive line up this season after injury sidelined him for most of the 2013 season.

Simpkin, who had a breakout season performance in 2012, playing 19 games and establishing himself in the best 22, found himself sidelined for most of the last season due to pre-season surgery correcting long-standing shin problems.

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The 23-year-old said his shin splints have been a recurring problem over the last five years but is happy with the progress this pre-season.

“I’m still managing my injuries at the moment from last year but that is going well,” Simpkin said.

“My groins and legs are still a little sore but I’ve managed to get through most of the pre-season for far so I’m pretty happy.”

The tall defender said he was excited to see the influence new defensive coach David Teague was having on the players.

“He has a strong focus on body work and working together as a team,” he said.

Simpkin, Fisher and Gwilt will be joined by Josh Bruce from GWS and Luke Delaney from North Melbourne who will bring two big bodies to the defensive squad.

“We haven’t been a strong backline in the last few years so we are working hard together and want to be a hard backline to play against,” he said.

While Simpkin is hoping for a consistent season in the best 22, he said he is taking each opportunity at a time.

“I’ve just got to play my best footy whether that’s for Sandringham or St Kilda.”