ST KILDA will be able to invest in the football department resources it needs to grow a young list after signing a new major partner for at least the next two years.

After announcing a loss of nearly $4m last year and with club debt at $9m, the Saints' new partnership with Dare Iced Coffee has provided a significant financial boost as the new season approaches.

The club was forced to cut football department spending ahead of the 2014 season after failing to meet sponsorship and membership targets, but CEO Matt Finnis said both revenue streams were now flowing.  

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"The fact is we know you've got to invest in a football program that's going to be competitive and allow us to invest in the development of our young players," Finnis said on Tuesday morning. 

"From our point of view we've got to make sure we've got the development resources and we've got the coaching expertise around this young list to ensure they're going to develop to make the most of their potential and their careers.

"This investment and the growth in sponsorship we're seeing is absolutely critical in being able to deliver that."

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After running a successful campaign to sign 25,000 members by December 25, Finnis said the Saints' membership numbers were 20 per cent higher than this time last year.

He was also confident there would be clarity this year on a proposed move to Junction Oval as the club seeks "a stronger sense of what is home for the footy club".

"We’re going through a very detailed process and our members have spoken to us," he said.

Meanwhile, captain Nick Riewoldt said he expected to play an important role again in 2015 despite yet another modified pre-season program.

"My pre-seasons are pretty different to the rest of the group. I’m off by myself a lot which can be a little lonely but it’s a formula that’s worked for me the last few years, so I’m just sticking to that," Riewoldt said.

"I’m still as professional and dedicated to my footy as ever but I think I’ve got a really good balance [at home and work]... James is a blessing."

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