Newly re-signed St Kilda star Josh Bruce says he is hopeful the Saints can plot a similar path to Hawthorn and Geelong by compiling a strong collection of youth to trek along the journey towards sustained success.

The long-term signature of one of the competition’s best young key forwards follows commitments from a handful of Saints in the last six months, including another young spearhead in Paddy McCartin.

Given the dynasties established by the Hawks and Cats on the back of a comprehensive buy-in by the playing group in the last decade, Bruce indicated collective commitment was the key in the pursuit of premiership success.

“I’m really excited with the direction the club’s heading in and the young group we’ve got together,” Bruce told Melbourne radio station SEN on Thursday morning after announcing he has re-signed until the end of 2020.

“The way to build sustained success is to keep the young group together and you see the likes of Hawthorn and Geelong before that, the guys stick together and they all come through at the same age group with the same amount of games, that’s how you build a model for sustained success.”

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Despite having broad appeal to many rival clubs, Bruce revealed his decision was an easy one, especially given the fresh lease on life he has enjoyed as a key forward after spending his time at Greater Western Sydney at the other end of the ground.

“It wasn’t a tough decision at all,” Bruce said.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunity I’ve had at the Saints at the opportunity I’ve had to go back into the forward line as well.

“So to repay the faith that they’ve shown in me, it was a really easy decision. I’m a St Kilda person now and I’m really loyal to the club; I couldn’t be happier.”

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