Defensive duo Alice Burke and Ella Friend have inked one-year extensions with the Saints, signing on until the end of the 2027 AFLW season.

Key contributors to the Saints’ backline, Burke and Friend took their games to the next level in 2025, playing pivotal roles in the club’s maiden AFLW finals appearance.

Burke enjoyed a career-best season, playing every match and racking up a personal-best 47 tackles as she continued to make the iconic Saints No.3 jumper her own. The 23-year-old capped off the year by taking home the player-voted Sainter of the Year Award at the Best and Fairest, recognising the weekly MVP as voted by her teammates.

After spending 2024 up forward, Friend returned to defence in 2025 alongside All-Australian Serene Watson. Her ability to hold her own while lining up on some of the competition’s best forwards proved a valuable asset to the side, with the 22-year-old set to play her 50th milestone game in 2026.

“We’re thrilled to have both Alice and Ella sign on,” GM AFLW Jessie Mullholland said.

“A reflection of the squad’s progress in 2025, we’re excited to see the pair continue to elevate their games as our backline grows stronger together.

“This group has shown a real commitment to the hard work and process required to build a successful program and we’re excited to see players like Alice and Ella reap the rewards of that journey as we push towards finals contention in 2026.”