St Kilda coach Brett Ratten has confirmed that Jack Billings and Paddy Ryder have re-signed with the club.
Billings, 26, has signed a four-year deal with the Saints while 33-year-old veteran Ryder has penned a one-year extension.
“Jack Billings has signed and Paddy Ryder as well, which is fantastic,” Ratten revealed on SEN Breakfast.
“I think it’s around four years (for Jack) and Paddy is just a year, which is great news.
“Jack’s been a great contributor at the St Kilda Football Club and with his age and where we can go, he’s going to be an important part.”
Billings has been linked with a potential move out of Moorabbin in recent months, but did the club ever entertain a trade?
“No, not at all,” Ratten said.
“He’s a quality player, quality person, part of our leadership group and we want to keep him.”
Ryder was restricted to 12 games in 2021 with an achilles injury ultimately ending his season after Round 19.
As a result of his absence, his influence on the team was sorely missed.
“He’s a bit like a bottle of red, isn’t he? He’s just improving as he gets older,” Ratten said of the former Port Adelaide and Essendon big man.
“We missed him at the start of the season and then towards the end he had an achilles and we couldn’t risk it.
“He’s been outstanding and with the combination of (Rowan) Marshall and him, it gives us an advantage around the ball. That’s something that we missed last season as we couldn’t get them on the park together.”
Ratten also confirmed that Luke Dunstan, who played some good footy in the second half of 2021, will not be at the club next year.
Dunstan averaged 25 disposals across 12 games, but has been unable to win a new deal.
“Luke is looking for a new home, that’s part of footy,” Ratten confirmed.
“He did everything right in that space. He’s still on our list, but we’ve probably agreed to explore other options.”
The 26-year-old played 116 matches for the Saints having debuted in 2014.
On Monday, the Saints made two list changes with Oscar Clavarino and Sam Alabakis departing the club having not been offered new contracts.