Delisted St Kilda ruckman Paul Hunter has resisted the urge to return back to South Australia and will instead ply his trade for longstanding VFL powerhouse Port Melbourne in 2022.

Despite being plucked from SANFL outfit South Adelaide during pre-season supplemental period less than 12-months ago, Hunter's stint in a Saints' guernsey came to a close after just seven games and a pair of goals.

The Borough announced the signing of the 200cm big man on Wednesday afternoon via a post from their official Twitter account.

As Brett Ratten's third-string option behind Rowan Marshall and Paddy Ryder, Hunter also ran out for St Kilda's VFL affiliate Sandringham on seven occasions in 2021.

The 28-year-old managed to record a mean of more than 30 hit-outs throughout this series of reserves outings - a sizable raise from his AFL output of just north of 16 per game.

Embed from Getty Images

Given these consistent performances, Port fans will be more than hopeful that the ready-made ruckman can set their side back on track for their 17th premiership.

Hunter is set to be coached by a familiar face next season, with former St Kilda assistant Adam Skrobalak succeeding Gary Ayres as the head coach at North Port Oval for the upcoming season.

The ex-Crows and Saints listed player will become the latest former AFL player on Port's list next season, with names such as Eli Templeton, Fletcher Roberts, Matt Arnot and Corey Wagner already calling the proud club home.