St Kilda defender Jarryn Geary has extended his contract with the club, committing until at least the end of the 2018 season.

The new deal should see the 27-year-old achieve life membership with the Saints.

Geary said he was elated to commit to St Kilda with the two-year contract extension.

“In my time at the Saints, I have seen the club rise to the top and now work its way up from the bottom. There is an exciting future ahead for the Saints and I couldn’t be happier to commit to being a part of that future,” Geary said.

After he was originally drafted with the 58th pick at the 2007 rookie draft, Geary was elevated to the senior list at the end of 2007 and made his senior debut in round one, 2008.

He has since played 120 games and kicked 21 goals, establishing himself as a crucial part of the St Kilda backline.

Geary was elevated to the St Kilda leadership at the beginning of 2013 and captained the club on several occasions in 2015 in the absence of Nick Riewoldt.

He won the Robert Harvey Award for Best clubman in 2015 and also finished fifth in the Trevor Barker Award for best and fairest.

“Jarryn has built a reputation as one of the hardest workers and most determined players at St Kilda and we are delighted to have him commit at least to the end of 2018,” Chief Operating Officer Ameet Bains said.

“He has proven himself to be a genuine leader of our young group and signing him is another reflection of our leaders committing themselves to what promises to be an exciting future at St Kilda.”