Yesterday’s signing of Lachie Hunter to a new three-year deal was the latest in a wave of talented pups committing to the kennel long term.

Speaking with SEN Radio on Wednesday morning, List Manager Jason McCartney said that it’s a credit to the environment senior coach Luke Beveridge has created at the Football Club since his appointment in November 2014.

“The players they just love playing under him – the style of play and they want to be around," McCartney said.

“They can see a bright future ahead which should make my job a little bit easier.”

Hunter joins Jake Stringer, Marcus Bontempelli and Tom Liberatore as one of a number of young players who’ve signed contract extensions in recent times.

McCartney said that while the Club’s retention strategy was now bearing fruit, there was still has some way to go.

“We’ve had this plan in place prior to Luke coming in but the pivotal role he’s played in creating that environment - winning obviously helps. 

“We’re under no illusion though, we’ve got a long way to go, we’ve got the fourth youngest list, so what we’re trying to build is something that, if we can get there, gives us a good sustained run at it. 

“But as we know, they’re very hard to win, and our footy club has only ever won one premiership.”