The St Kilda Football Club has today paid tribute to Sam Gilbert for his enormous contribution to the Saints.

Gilbert was informed by the club on Tuesday that he would not be offered a contract to play on in 2019, bringing to an end a 208-game career at the Saints spanning 13 years.

Renowned for his selfless approach, fierce attack on the ball and the opposition, his versatility, courage, and unique ability to side-step opponents, the defender delivered his best on the big occasions.

Gilbert was named among the Saints’ best in both Grand Finals in 2010, helping turn the game in the drawn decider during a brilliant third quarter.

READ: Well played, Gilbo

Gilbert said he was proud to have worn the red, white and black for 13 years.

“I want to thank the club for the opportunity to play at the highest level, and for helping shape the person I am today,” he said.

“I have been privileged to be part of the club for the past 13 years, and I’ve loved every minute of it.

“I owe a lot to my coaches, teammates, and the St Kilda staff and supporters, and thank them for their friendship and support.

“I also want to thank my family for their incredible support, in particular my wife Georgie and my new baby boy Oscar.

WATCH: Saints surround Gilbo after snap

“I will take my time to weigh up what’s next, but I respect the club’s decision and I hope the boys can achieve something special in the future.”

Senior Coach Alan Richardson described Gilbert as one of the most selfless players he has ever coached.

“Sam always put the team first. I haven’t coached a player who so regularly put their body on the line for their teammates more than him,” Richardson said.

“He has been an incredibly versatile and reliable player in my time at the Saints, but it was his physicality that St Kilda sides have benefited from for more than a decade.

“Even through my discussions with him about our plans for next year, he always spoke about what he could do to help the team and the club. It was never about him.”

The boys get around @sammygilbert19

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Richardson said the Saints’ young defenders needed to step up in Gilbert’s place.

“Gilbo has played some strong footy for us this season, but we also have to balance that with the fact that we have a number of young defenders coming through,” he said.

“It’s up to the young guys to step up and make that position their own next season and play with the same team-first attitude and physicality that Gilbo always did.

WATCH: Thanks Gilbo

“We wish him, Georgie and Oscar all the best for the future.”

The club looks forward to appropriately recognising and celebrating Sam’s contribution to the club at the Trevor Barker Award on Wednesday 19 September.