JIMMY Webster has become the first of St Kilda’s Tasmanian trio to have his plans for 2015 and beyond confirmed, with club officials using the occasion to forecast a future in the midfield for the running defender.
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Webster yesterday recommitted to the Saints until the end of 2017 after an up-and-down 2014.
He played 11 games, averaged 15 disposals, three marks and two tackles a match, but was demoted to the VFL following an "alcohol-fuelled altercation’’ in his home state and then broke his foot in round 15.
However, that injury is unlikely to affect his preparations for next season.
‘‘I need to get my foot right in the off-season, get my fitness up, work hard in the gym, and prepare as well as I can for 2015,’’ Webster said yesterday.
‘‘I have no doubt that we can climb back up the ladder (after finishing 18th this season) sooner rather than later as the young players continue to develop and learn.’’
Since his debut in round 7 last year, the Glenorchy product has established himself as an important part of the Saints’ back six.
His four rebound 50s per match this year is the equal fourth best in the league, and the 188-centimetre 78-kilogram defender has the ability to play on both tall and small forwards.
St Kilda head of football Chris Pelchen praised his ‘‘ability to deliver the ball efficiently by both hand and foot’’ and along with coach Alan Richardson expected to see him in the midfield in coming years, with Richardson also praising his speed and endurance.
Webster, whose brother Zac is on Hawthorn’s rookie list, was selected by St Kilda with the 42nd pick in the 2011 national draft.
The Saints’ two Burnie products Maverick Weller and Eli Templeton, who both started the year on the rookie list, are expected to earn senior list contracts for next season.
