ALL-Australian defender Sean Dempster has committed to the Saints for a further season, joining fellow backman Jarryn Geary in re-signing with the club.

Dempster has consolidated himself as a key part of the Saints’ back six in recent years, finishing seventh in last year’s best and fairest after third place finishes in 2011 and 2012. He was selected to the All-Australian team in 2012.

The 30-year-old said he was excited to stick with St Kilda for at least another year.

“The Saints have been fantastic and I couldn’t ask for a better club to be involved with,” Dempster said.

“They’ve shown faith in me by offering the contract so I am happy to be part of the Saintsfamily for an extra year.”

Dempster has played 123 games for the Saints since crossing over from the Sydney Swans at the end of 2007.

He was a part of the Swans’ premiership team of 2005 and also played in the following year’s Grand Final loss to West Coast. He also played for the Saints in the 2009 Grand Final and the draw and replayed Grand Final in 2010.

St Kilda Head of Football Chris Pelchen said Dempster had proven himself to be a vital part of the Saints outfit.

“Sean has been one of our most respected players for a number of years,” Pelchen said.

“His commitment to preparing as an elite athlete being an outstanding example to others at the club.”

Sean Dempster will be taking over the Saints Twitter account at 4pm this afternoon. Send your questions in and use the hashtag: #AskShinna