St Kilda veterans Dougal Howard and Zak Jones will play on in 2025 after signing one-year extensions to remain at Moorabbin.
Howard, 28, continues into a sixth season with the Saints, having made the move from Port Adelaide in 2019 back to his home state of Victoria, where he was formerly a Murray Bushrangers prodigy.
Standing 199cm with a 94kg frame, he jumped straight to the primary spot in St Kilda's key defensive stocks and has stayed there ever since, supporting his All-Australian intercepting teammate Callum Wilkie.
His 2024 campaign was struck by injury, limiting him to just 15 games, in which he averaged just under seven marks a game and two intercept marks.
Big Doug will extend into his sixth season at the club โ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/mg7nSh00e8
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) October 10, 2024
Jones, 29, will also enter his sixth year as a Saint, tying his previous tenure at Sydney from 2014-2019.
The hard-nosed on baller has struggled to get a consistent run of senior footy at St Kilda, particularly under Ross Lyon.
Injuries have hampered his progress, as has selection. He played just four games last season and 13 games this season, falling in and out of favour.
He did showcase some prolific production at times this year, standing up in St Kilda's heart-stopping Round 24 win over Carlton and collecting 26 disposals and seven tackles in Round 19, albeit against the lowly Eagles.
A one-year deal grants him an AFL lifeline, with the Saints looking to specifically bolster their midfield with younger talent moving forward.
The likely addition of fellow veteran Jack Macrae may also hinder Jones' playing status but with one season to play out, the motivation will be there to standout at senior level.
Ready to attack 2025 โ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/MIfPs4X0dg
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) October 10, 2024
โDougal and Zak have both played important and distinct roles in our team this season and we're very pleased to have them both re-sign,โ EGM Football David Misson said.
โDougal's dependability is integral in our defensive line-up and will continue to be so moving forward. His experience down back will continue to be a great asset for us going forward.
โZak has had a rough stint with injury the past two years, but we're glad to see his recent form prove the value and punch he can bring to our emerging midfield group.โ
