St Kilda has locked away two of its most important players with Jimmy Webster and Tim Membrey inking contract extensions this week.

Turning his back on free agency, Webster has signed a three-year extension that will see him remain in red, white and black until at least the end of 2022.

The 25-year-old emerged as one of the Saints’ best in the first half of 2018 before being hampered by a minor groin injury.

The elite ball user has played 82 games since being drafted with pick 42 in the 2011 AFL Draft, excelling in the past two seasons as the Saints’ quarterback out of defence.

READ: Webster - Larrikinism, Laughter and Loyalty

Membrey’s signature on a two-year contract extension ensures he will remain with the Saints until at least the end of 2021.

The mobile forward has topped the Saints’ goalkicking charts in the past two seasons and has again been the club’s spearhead this season.

Despite being just 24 years of age and a veteran of only 67 games, the young forward has emerged as one of the Saints on-field leaders in 2018.

General Manager of Football Simon Lethlean said the pair were key signings for the club.

“Jimmy and Tim have both become extremely important players for us and future leaders, so to have them both committed to the Saints long term is exciting.”

“The pair are really close mates and have a big influence on our entire playing group on and off the field.”

Lethlean said individually they had both stepped up this season.

“Jimmy is a courageous player who is a strong one-on-one defender but also someone who sets us up with his kicking skills,” he said.

“Tim has enjoyed a strong second half of the season and continues to lead a very young forward group.

“Both guys will continue to improve in the coming years, which is exciting for Saints supporters.”