RECENTLY re-signed veteran Sam Fisher says he is enjoying additional leadership responsibilities that come with being one of only a handful of 200-game players at the club. 

The defender played 18 games for the season – the most he has played since 2011 – and remains a valuable contributor on the field. In 2016 he will again be the oldest player on St Kilda’s list.

Much like Adam Schneider with Jack Lonie, Fisher has worked closely with young key position prospect Hugh Goddard in the hope that one day Goddard will take over from Fisher as the club’s primary tall defender.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with Hugh and playing with him,” Fisher told SEN Morning Glory on Wednesday.

“I’ve taken on a mentor role to help him along. He’s so aggressive and is a kid that really wants to learn. He asks questions non-stop. He asks questions and pesters you but that’s great.”

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Goddard played the last eight games this season and cited Fisher’s mature direction as a key reason why he was able to force his way into the senior team and hold his position.

“Sam has been unbelievable for me,” Goddard told SAINTS.com.au.

“He’s someone there if I have any questions, I know I can ask him and he’ll have an answer. I probably do pester him a little bit.

“To play the last eight games with him was awesome. Watching him prepare and then learning from him on-field is so valuable for me. I was hoping he would re-sign, I can’t wait to play with him again.”

While Fisher has a close relationship with Goddard in particular, he also spoke highly of other young players.

“It’s very exciting when you find some young guys. They really came in and played some exciting footy,” he said.

“Our pressure game was pretty disappointing the last two rounds, but up until then we were consistent with that game style over the course of the year. It was exciting to be involved in.”