ST KILDA rookie Jack Sinclair has been rewarded for his impressive start to the season with a new two-year deal, but veteran Adam Schneider has won the race to be promoted for the rest of this season.

With the club able to elevate one rookie to the senior list regardless of any long-term injuries, the Saints promoted Schneider as their nominated rookie, but made sure 20-year-old Sinclair is locked away for the future by signing him until the end of the 2017 season.

Schneider, a veteran of 222 games, was given the nod after averaging 21.6 disposals in his nine games this year and providing important leadership to his younger teammates.

"Adam has been tremendously important for us this season," coach Alan Richardson told the club's website.

"His form has been consistent, and in many ways he acts as an on-field assistant coach for our young guys, directing traffic and using his years of experience out there. He has been invaluable for the development of our exciting young group."

Sinclair has made an immediate impact in his debut season, playing the first 10 games and kicking 11 goals to be ranked third at the club.

He was forced back to the rookie list after round 10 and will now only be eligible to play in the seniors if the Saints suffer a long-term injury.

"I'm thrilled to be given a two-year extension. There is a great vibe around the club – it is a very young group and it is an exciting time to be around," Sinclair told the club's website.

"The Saints are in my blood and have been part of my family for generations. There really is nowhere else I would want to be."

Chief operating officer Ameet Bains said Sinclair's new deal was just reward for his brilliant start to the year.

"Jack has shown an immediate ability to play consistently at AFL level, so we are delighted that he can be rewarded with a two-year contract extension," Bains said.

"The fact he will be properly elevated to the primary list at the end of the season is well-deserved for Jack and highly pleasing for the club."

Sinclair is the third Saint to re-sign in the past week after Dylan Roberton and Cameron Shenton also inked new deals.