FRESH from one of the his best games for the Saints, ruckman Tom Hickey has committed to the club with a new two-year contract.

Hickey, who joined the Saints from Gold Coast at the end of 2012, will remain with St Kilda until at least the end of 2017 and is expected to play a key role with Billy Longer in what looms as a promising ruck partnership.

The agile 201cm ruckman - who has played 27 games since arriving at St Kilda for a career total of 39 - is the latest Saint to commit to the club, with veterans Sean Dempster and David Armitage re-signing in recent weeks and midfielder Jack Steven signing a five-year deal at the start of the season.

VIDEO: Hickey post-game (Round 20)

Senior coach Alan Richardson also recently signed a new deal tying him to the club until at least the end of 2018.

Hickey has been used as both a ruckman and forward at stages this year, booting two goals in last week’s game against North Melbourne.

Richardson said the 24-year old was a vital part of St Kilda’s long-term plans.

“Tom is an athletic player who is continually improving for us,” Richardson said.

“We have an exciting group of young players at the club who are vying for spots in our team at the moment. Tom is an extremely competitive player who has led the way with his work rate and accountability.”

ROUND 21: Saints Premier Lounge

Hickey said he was thrilled to sign a new deal with the Saints.

“I never considered anything other than staying on at St Kilda. It is a good young group and there some exciting things happening at the club.

“St Kilda is my football home and I am keen to forge a long and successful career with the club.”