St Kilda has launched itscampaign with the signature of first-year midfielder Luke Dunstan.

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Dunstan has committed to the Saints until at least the end of 2017 after a stellar first year where he played 16 games and kicked nine goals before a shoulder injury brought a premature end to his first AFL season.His impressive year was capped off with retiring St Kilda great Lenny Hayes handing his number seven guernsey to the precocious teenager.

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Winner of the Most Promising Player Award: LUKE DUNSTAN More: http://t.co/NBF9pljrEm pic.twitter.com/oW3yP1vCRN — St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) September 5, 2014

The 19-year-old was the year’s first nominee for the NAB AFL Rising Star and finished sixth in the award’s voting.Originally from SANFL club Woodville-West Torrens, Dunstan was the 18th overall pick at the 2013 NAB AFL Draft – a selection that came to the Saints as part of the deal that also brought Blake Acres and Shane Savage to the club.Thecampaign will see a host of young Saints committing to the club as part of a united commitment to the club’s future.Dunstan said he was thrilled to be the first in a wave of re-signings.“We can feel that something is building. Not only the players, but also the coaches and staff get the same feeling,” Dunstan said.“There is a lot of work ahead over the next few years, but it’s definitely building.”The hard-bodied midfielder captained South Australia in the 2013 NAB Under 18 Championships and said he was enjoying life in his new home town.“I’ve loved the transition from Adelaide to Melbourne,” he said.“There is a lot more going on here and obviously a lot more stuff happening. I’m absolutely loving living over here.”St Kilda Head of Football Chris Pelchen said Dunstan had impressed everyone at the club since arriving late last year."Luke has had an outstanding debut season with the Saints. His leadership and maturity among the young players provides a role model well beyond his years,” Pelchen said.“Luke is a highly committed and respected player in the team and we look forward to him becoming an integral part of our midfield in the future."