St Kilda defender Jason Gram says the chance to be part of a successful Saints team prompted him to re-sign for another three seasons.
Originally drafted by the Brisbane Lions in 2001, Gram arrived at Moorabbin via a trade at the end of the 2003 season, having played two matches for the Queensland club in his debut season.
He managed only two and five matches in his first two years with the Saints but established himself as a regular member of the senior line-up in 2006 and has now played 60 matches.
Labelled one of the AFL's elite, running defenders by his former coach Leigh Matthews recently, Gram told SaintsCentral.com.au he believes his club has a bright future.
"It's a great team, I've got some great mates here, that was one reason," he said.
"But the team's going places, we're probably not playing our best footy at the moment but I can see this team as a real premiership chance this year and on."
"That was a major reason, everyone wants to win a premiership so that's why I'm here."
With the Saints ninth on the ladder with a 4-4 win-loss record, Gram believes his form mirrors that of the club overall so far in 2008, as opposition clubs try and negate the run he provides off half-back.
But with 14 matches left this season Gram is confident that St Kilda can turn its fortunes around and match the likes of unbeaten teams Geelong, Hawthorn and the Western Bulldogs at the business end of the year.
"Play four quarters, win contested ball (is what we need to do to win games consistently)," he said. "We know what we need to do to play good footy and we're not doing it for four quarters."
"If we can do that for four quarters we'll match it with anyone, as you saw the last part of last year, I think we won eight out of 11 and we played good footy in the NAB Cup. If we can do it for four quarters we'll definitely be up there."