Three years toil has paid off for St Kilda defender Cameron Shenton, with the 23-year-old South Australian promoted permanently to the club's senior list for 2015 and rewarded with a two-year contract.
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Shenton had been elevated off the rookie list in each of the past two seasons, playing 14 games this year after a solitary appearance late in 2013. Initially drafted from Norwood as a forward, he won favour when switched to the backline, gaining somewhat of a cult following for his rebounding play, shaggy hair and beard, and he helps fill a critical age bracket for St Kilda - who have a dearth of players aged between 23 and 27.
As a third-year rookie, the Saints had to make a call to cut Shenton or upgrade him for good.
St Kilda's list situation remains complex however as the club looks to embark upon the long road back from the bottom of the ladder.
Tasmanian pair Eli Templeton and Maverick Weller are believed to be strong contenders for elevation after impressing during 2014, although as both are first-year rookies the Saints can retain them without needing to free up spots on their senior list.
The Saints have already delisted Trent Dennis Lane and Sam Dunell, while Lenny Hayes and Beau Maister have retired. Clint Jones and James Gwilt have been told they will not be at the club next year, although Gwilt and possibly Jones may be offered for trade. Terry Milera is contracted but has requested a move back to South Australia, while both the Saints and Adam Schneider are understood to have not yet made a decision about whether the veteran small forward will play on in 2015.
No announcement has been made on the futures of youngsters Brodie Murdoch, Josh Saunders, Lewis Pierce and Daniel Markworth, while a decision must be made on third-year rookie Darren Minchington.
Another of St Kilda's older brigade - Sam Fisher - will continue at the club, having signed a one-year deal.
