ST KILDA has appointed Danny Ryan to the position of player development/opposition analyst.

Ryan has worked with the Saints as NSW development manager for the past three years and has played a significant role in the development of NSW scholarship player Kane Murphy, who was the NSW Player of the Year in 2008.

After growing up in Colac in Victoria, Ryan has been based in Sydney for the past 18 years, five of which he spent as coach of Pennant Hills in the SAFL.

Ryan came to know the Saints through Lenny Hayes, who played his junior football at Pennant Hills.

He helped the Saints whenever they played away games in Sydney and developed a strong working relationship with Tony Elshaugh and then-assistant Matt Rendell as well as recruiting guru John Beveridge.

"I've had a close relationship with John Beveridge for a long time. I talk to him more than I talk to my dad," he said.

While his new role will be his first as a full-time role with St Kilda, Ryan knows the place already.

"I'm not coming in cold so I guess that's a bit of an advantage. There's actually not that many people who have been working here longer than myself," he said.

Ryan will work with development manager Danny Sexton and Sandringham coach Andy Lovell in helping St Kilda's young players adapt to the life of an AFL footballer.

He has also been appointed opposition analyst and forward scout.

Ryan said he was thrilled with the challenges his new job offered.

"I never got the chance to play at the highest level," he said.

"To be involved at the highest level in another capacity is a tremendous opportunity and a privilege. Getting involved with the players and helping them be the best they can be. It's been a long time between drinks for the Saints and to contribute in some way to any success they have would be fantastic."

St Kilda football manager Greg Hutchison said the appointment was crucial with such a young list.

"With 21 players on our list falling into the 'development' category, it's important that this area of our club is fully resourced," he said.

"We have a very young list and want to ensure that we have the right personnel in place to develop and nurture these talented players.

"We are delighted to appoint someone within our existing structure and look forward to working with Danny and the rest of our development team to create an exciting future for the Saints."