The 26-year-old has signed a new five-year contract to stay at Moorabbin, turning down reported interest from rival clubs, including Essendon.

Marshall's signing comes two days out from a blockbuster clash with in-form Carlton on Friday night.

After sitting at 8-3, the Saints have dropped three-straight games to be outside of the top-eight.

"I love this club and really believe in the direction we're heading," Marshall said.

"We've all got big goals for where we want to take this group, with the ultimate success of a premiership at the top of that list.

"I'm really glad that I'll get to be a part of it all for the next few years and just want to continue doing what I can to drive us forward."

The Saints are delighted to have secured Marshall, following on from contract extensions to fellow stars Max King and Jack Steele.

"Rowan made it clear from the beginning of these discussions that his heart was at the Saints and he was keen to stay long term," St Kilda list manager James Gallagher said.

"We set about going through a process with his management and have arrived at a position where both Rowan and the club are really happy.

"Rowan's influence both on and off the field has grown over his time at the club and with only 77 senior games under his belt, we are very confident that the best of Rowan Marshall is still to come."

Marshall joined the Saints via the 2016 rookie draft, and has gone onto become one of the club's most important assets.

Australian Associated Press