St Kilda speedster Darcy Wilson says the reason behind his contract extension is the youth at Moorabbin and the coaching staff's drive towards success.
Wilson - who was due to come out of contract at season's end and penned a two-year deal - was being courted by many clubs in the AFL, including North Melbourne and Geelong.
"The main driving force for me was just the young sort of players at the club, and also the coaching staff have been huge for me and everyone's sort of driven to achieve success," Wilson said.
"I think it's an elite bond we have and all sort of similar age. Windy (Marcus Windhager), Mitch (Owens), Nas, Mattaes (Phillipou), Hugo (Garcia), Hally (Max Hall), all moving through the middle of the ground.
"And I think that's going to be the driving force over the next few years.
"And if we want to be there in September, I think it's going to be crucial to have all of us playing well.
"That was the main reason for me staying as well, was just like all those players sort of being driven to achieve success."
The Pick 18 from the 2023 National Draft has played 59 games since he joined the Saints, but has enjoyed a breakout year this season, playing all but one game.
A more prominent role in the midfield for Wilson has yielded a strong return, with the 20-year-old averaging 22.3 disposals, 4.8 marks and 2.8 tackles.
Wilson provided the reason behind why he's enjoying a career-best year.
"I'll probably put it back to the coaching staff," he said.
"They've been massive for me. Credit to Robert Harvey, Brendon Bolton and obviously Ross.
"They've been huge in my development and moving me through the midfield this season."
