St Kilda has stockpiled medium-sized defenders in recent years, acquiring a handful of rebounding types who have a tendency to break the game open coming out of the back half of the ground.

Shane Savage, Dylan Roberton and Jimmy Webster all played a large chunk of 2015 as the Saints’ back six continued its evolution under Alan Richardson.

While the return of Sam Gilbert in the second half of the season not only provided another key asset in defence, but also added some more experience to a seasoned collection of key defenders down back.

The ultra-reliable Jarryn Geary has become a vital cog of Alan Richardson's side in recent years, and the recently re-signed defender is coming off one of the best seasons of his career having finished fifth in the Trevor Barker Award.

Former Hawk Savage produced a career-best season last year, becoming a damaging weapon running off half-back, with his run-and-carry ability cutting opposition sides apart.

After a frustrating 2014, Roberton bounced back in style last year to construct the most consistent season of his short career. The 23-year-old played all but two games in 2015, finishing sixth in the Trevor Barker Award to firmly establish himself as a key component in St Kilda’s defensive setup.

In a similar vein to both Savage and Roberton, versatile defender Webster also made his mark last season to suggest he is a long-term option inside the Saints’ defensive 50. Across 17 games, the Tasmanian handled a variety of roles with aplomb, playing as a lockdown defender at times, as well as being let off the leash to generate drive at other times.

Cameron Shenton started 2015 inside Richardson’s defensive set-up, where he remained for the bulk of the first half of the season, before losing his spot in the second half of the year.

The Saints blooded 2014 second-round draftee Daniel McKenzie last year, with the athletic defender playing seven games in his debut season to show glimpses of his potential.

Brodie Murdoch and Nathan Wright were both used sparingly last season with the pair spending a large portion of the year at Sandringham in the VFL.

In last year’s National Draft, the Saints acquired two medium-sized defenders in Brandon White (pick No. 40) and father-son selection Bailey Rice (pick No. 49), with the latter nominating St Kilda over Carlton as his preferred destination after being eligible as a father-son pick at both clubs.