Gritty defender Daniel McKenzie has signed a three-year contract extension with St Kilda, seeing him remain at the club until the end of 2022.

The endurance machine cemented himself in the Saints’ backline during the second half of last season, with his hardness at the contest unwavering despite the side’s troubled year.

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McKenzie has missed just the one game in 2019 through concussion – an ailment symptomatic of his steely attack on the footy – but has stepped up to the plate in St Kilda’s injury-ravaged defence.

A 19-disposal and 12-mark display against Adelaide in the absence of skipper Jarryn Geary highlighted the importance of the hardened defender, whose growth and determination has warranted his signature.

Daniel McKenzie at full flight against Essendon

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St Kilda List Manager James Gallagher was pleased to see McKenzie extend his stay with the Saints.

“To have Dan put pen to paper is fantastic for the club and we’re rapt to have him on board for at least the next three years,” Gallagher said.

“He’s courageous, professional and is heavily invested in achieving success for the St Kilda Football Club.

“Dan’s another one of our players who is heading towards that 50-game mark and we expect him to now grow from here into the footballer we believe he can be.”

McKenzie said he was proud to sign on and is intent on repaying the faith in the years to come.

“I’m stoked to be able to pull on the jumper for another three years,” McKenzie said.

“It’s a great honour to play for the Saints and seeing the belief shown by the club is really significant to me.

“We’re going forward in the right direction as a club and I’m really excited to be a part of that future.”

McKenzie was originally selected with pick No. 22 in the 2014 National Draft and will play his 41st game against West Coast this Saturday.