MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 29: Callum Wilkie of the Saints speaks with media during a St Kilda Saints AFL training session at RSEA Park on November 29, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)

Exciting St Kilda defender Callum Wilkie has penned a new two-year contract extension with the Saints, keeping him at the club until the end of the 2023 season.

St Kilda announced the signing over the weekend, with list manager James Gallagher stating Wilkie has shown sensational growth since arriving at the Saints.

“We’re rapt to have Cal put pen to paper,”  Gallagher said.

“Since he’s come into the side, he’s become an integral part of our backline and that will no doubt continue moving forward.

“Last season we saw Cal really accelerate his leadership. Alongside fellow backman Dougal Howard, he has been enormous when it comes to setting the standards for the entire group.

“It’s testament to Cal’s work ethic and professionalism that he’s been able to achieve what he has from starting out as a mature-age rookie.

“We’re looking forward to seeing what he’ll produce in 2021 and are certain he’ll deliver well into the future.”

Wilkie made his debut for the Saints in the opening round of the 2019 season and has since played 41 games in the red, white and black.

The 24-year-old was named in the Saints' leadership group for 2021 alongside Seb Ross, Dougal Howard, Jack Billings and Tim Membrey under co-captains Jack Steele and Jarryn Geary