Tom Lee’s transformation from key forward to key defender has taken a significant step forward during this pre-season, according to St Kilda defensive coach Rohan Welsh.

In three seasons at Linen House Centre, Lee hasn’t managed to secure a regular spot in St Kilda’s best 22, but after switching roles in the back half of last season with Sandringham, the Claremont product is poised to strike in 2016.

Injury has plagued the West Australian’s career, with multiple shoulder reconstructions and more recently ankle surgeries setting him back, but after a summer focused on playing in a defensive key post and inside the weights room, a stronger, more powerful Lee could fill the void left by Jake Carlisle's absence this season.

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“Tommy’s had a really positive pre-season after having the ankle operations. His main focus over the pre-season was to get some more body strength and he’s done that,” Welsh told saints.com.au as part of his update on St Kilda’s defenders.

“I think he’s probably put on four or five kilos in the gym, he actually looks bigger and stronger and obviously he’s ball use from down back for us is a real positive.

“We feel Tommy can be a really important part of our footy club in terms of being able to swing him from forward to back at times. To have someone that is versatile that can go forward to back or back to forward is really pleasing.

“He’s had a really solid pre-season in terms of getting in the gym and doing extras and putting on some weight. We’re looking to Tommy to do some good things this year.”

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Luke Delaney is another key defender seeking a permanent spot in St Kilda’s back six this season. After producing a stellar 2014, the former North Melbourne backman struggled with injury and form in the latter stages of last season.

Following post-season surgery on his troublesome hips, Welsh said the 26-year-old – who finished fifth in the 2014 Trevor Barker Award – has constructed an impressive pre-season.

“‘Del’ had some hip issues early on, but he had that sorted out and he’s had a really positive pre-season in terms of his running capacity,” Welsh said.

“Now he’s got to translate that in to some real aggression type defence on the field.”