St Kilda Coach Alan Richardson is planning to use experienced defender Sam Gilbert all over the ground this season, particularly through the midfield where his athleticism and appetite for the contest makes him an invaluable commodity.

For the duration of his 157-game career, Gilbert has spent the bulk of his life in the AFL playing down back. But at the back end of 2015, the 29-year-old with the penetrating left-foot, impressed with his ability around the stoppages, prompting Richardson to forecast more time around the ball this season.

“I think our fans can expect to see ‘Gilbo’ all over the ground. He’s probably going to play a bit more through the midfield than he has in the past,” Richardson said on Thursday afternoon.

“He finished off for us last year in the midfield and we were really pleased with what he does for us in there. His pressure is really strong; he’s a tough player so we like his size and his athletic ability around the ball.

“‘Gilbo’ will still play multiple positions, he has that flexibility – he’s a really good athlete. He wins the ball strongly at ground level and in the air.

“We all know that he’s played some terrific footy down back for the club. He’s potentially going to be a real swingman for us.

“He’s shown some good stuff as a forward for us in the intra-club and he’s done that over his career as well.”

After two injury plagued seasons, Gilbert rediscovered some form and fitness in the latter stages of last season. He played 11 of the final 13 games in Richardson’s side, averaging 20.0 possessions and 6.3 tackles per game in his last seven appearances after being shifted into the midfield.

Gilbert is part of the 29-man squad named to travel to Wangaratta to face North Melbourne in the opening weekend of the NAB Challenge series.