ST KILDA defender Sean Dempster will continue his illustrious career into next season after signing a one-year contract extension.

Dempster, who last week played his 200th AFL game, is a mainstay of the St Kilda defence, having finished third in the club’s best and fairest in 2011, 2012 and 2014.

One of the league’s most underrated players, Dempster was named in the All-Australian team in 2012 and is sure to be in contention for that honour once again after another quality season in the Saints’ backline.

He is the latest senior player to re-commit to the Saints, with David Armitage re-signing last week and Jack Steven committing to a five-year deal before the start of the season.

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Dempster has played in five Grand Finals – the equal most of any current AFL player - the 2005 Sydney Swans flag and the loss to West Coast the following year before playing in the 2009 loss and the 2010 draw and replay with St Kilda.

The 31-year-old said he was happy to commit to at least another year with St Kilda.

“I always wanted to play beyond 2015 with the Saints. There have been some exciting things happening at the club this year and a really good feeling around the place,” Dempster said.

“We have a lot of quality young players coming through, particularly in the backline and I am thrilled to be a part of the group for at least another year.”

St Kilda coach Alan Richardson said Dempster’s signature was an important part of the club’s plans for 2016 and beyond.

“Sean is a real leader of our team. His professionalism and preparation is a wonderful example for our young players to follow,” Richardson said.

“He is the classic case of a player who leads by actions rather than words and we are very happy to have him sign on for another year.”

Dempster played 54 games for the Swans from 2005 to 2007 before he was traded along with Adam Schneider to St Kilda. He has since played another 146 games with his 200th coming in last week’s game against Fremantle.