The first-year coach, who has consistently pushed for youth this season and has handed games to 41 Saints, was pleased Geary elected to resist the lure of free agency and commit until the end of 2016, citing the pair's leadership as vital ingredients to the club's success.
"It’s great news for our footy club," Richardson told SAINTS.com.au.
"Both guys play really important and obvious roles on the field and their experience and on-field performance is significant going forward, but they play an even more significant role off the field.
"They are two terrific Saints."
Geary's last senior game was also his 100th - against the Hawks in round seven at the MCG. Since then, the reliable defender and occasional tagger has worked hard to overcome his elbow injury and is expected to return before the end of the home and away season.
The 26-year-old was initially selected as a rookie after being overlooked in the 2006 National Draft. However at the end of 2007, Geary was elevated to the senior list.
RELATED: Geary signs on for Saints
Meanwhile, Dempster is in his seventh season with the Saints after being traded from Sydney at the end of 2007.
An All-Australian in 2012, Dempster has consistently been among the Saints most consistent players in recent years, finishing seventh in the Trevor Barker Award last season.
RELATED: Dempster commits to 2015
