After missing the majority of 2013 and 2014, Sam Gilbert returned from the periphery last year, playing the second half of the season to reignite his career, reminding the football universe of his ability to inflict damage down back.

Prior to round 11 of 2015, the 29-year-old defender had played just 15 games in two and a half seasons as a persistent series of knee, foot and groin injuries threatened to prematurely end his career.

But after working his way back to full fitness and back into Alan Richardson’s back six, Gilbert played 11 of the final 12 games of last season to generate some momentum heading into this pre-season.

And since returning to the field in June, the Queenslander has barely missed a beat, weaving together games and training sessions like quilt work.

“It was really important (to play an extended patch of games). I really enjoyed getting some continuity back with my footy. I reckon that’s really helped coming into this pre-season – it’s given me a lot of confidence,” Gilbert told saints.com.au.

“It’s been quite positive to get through the full pre-season thus far. I’m looking forward to getting into some competitive games.”

After completing adjusted programs during the last two summers at Linen House Centre, Gilbert conceded he has found this pre-season more difficult than previous campaigns, but has relished being out on the track every day, in the thick of it.

“Mindset is always the same, you want to get in and work hard and get around the boys,” Gilbert said.

“I have asked a few of the boys if this is a harder pre-season than usual, but they were just like: ‘It’s normal’. I found out the hard way. It’s been very solid, but I’ve very much enjoyed it.”

With the Saints 2016 leadership group on the cusp of being finalised, the 156-game veteran, who has ridden the St Kilda rollercoaster like few other current players, believes the club is in a strong leadership position across not only the playing group, but also the entire club.

“I think we’ve got some really strong leaders in the (current) leadership group. Hopefully there’s a new face in there,” Gilbert said.

“I think what we saw last year and as a club that was developing, what they did and the procedures they went through was really positive from the top down. So I’m really looking forward to that coming through.”