THE recipe to form a high-profile AFL player isn’t too complex. Consistent performance, intelligence and Hollywood looks would generally combine to make a media star.

Despite all of those elements, Sean Demspter remains the most unheralded of St Kilda’s older generation. He is self-admittedly uncomfortable in front of a camera and even more uncomfortable when asked to speak about his own achievements.

As a result, he is not still playing to ramp up his media persona for a job post-football, nor is coaching on his radar. He has just completed a bio-medicine degree at Deakin University that took him seven years of part-time study.

The 31-year-old, nicknamed ‘Shinner,’ will this weekend play his 200th AFL game – a fact that may surprise a few.

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James Brayshaw, a commentator who has covered hundreds of games over the past 10 years, openly expressed his surprise on The Footy Show on Thursday night that Dempster had been playing long enough to reach 200 games.

But his stats when boiled down, are as impressive as any. Before he has even reached 100 games, he had already played in five Grand Finals (two with the Sydney Swans) for one win, one draw and three losses.

He is an All-Australian (2012) and has finished third in St Kilda’s best and fairest on three occasions, including last year.

Evidently, his footballing CV is strong. But less tangible is his hunger and deep desire to achieve the ultimate again.

Refreshingly, he is still playing to win a flag first and foremost.

“I’d like to think a sixth Grand Final and hopefully a premiership is within reach,” Dempster told SAINTS.com.au this week.

“It’s the reason we play football. If it wasn’t possible I’d hang up the boots and let the younger blokes come in and watch them learn their craft.

“Of course I want to be around a team that could possibly play in a flag in the next few years. I’ll be doing everything I can to hang on and be a part of it.”

Dempster in his first season with Sydney.

So if St Kilda’s second premiership is the aim, how will it be achieved? What is the process? According to Dempster, the Saints are already well on the way.

“I don’t think we have to wait for 2018 or 2019 to come around for us to be competitive and looking to play finals football,” he said.

“Now we will get 50 or so games under Dunstan and Billings’ belts, plus more matches into McCartin, Goddard, McKenzie and Lonie. We’ll be competitive next year.”

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One of the greatest challenges for St Kilda’s list management team is creating a list profile which has a healthy blend of experience, youth and everything in between.

But in the meantime, it has been largely Alan Richardson’s job to mix a diverse collection of players together in pursuit of a common cause.

“Richo has been super,” Dempster said of his fourth AFL senior coach.

“With a young and developing group and a mix of older players, you are working with almost two separate generations and mould them into one team.

Dempster against GWS earlier this year.

“He’s been great at letting the young boys be confident in themselves, and equally brilliant at motivating the older guys. He said ‘we want you to impart your knowledge and also play good footy.’ He’s been great at bringing the two groups into one.”

And as important as the coach and his assistants are in fast-tracking the development of young players, Dempster suggested on-field leadership still counts for plenty.

“Finding the right balance between experience and youth is paramount,” he said.

“As much as the coaches can show you the vision of what to do and teach you how to play the right way, it’s the older blokes out on the field that have the most influence over the young players.

“Stuff like professionalism is definitely something you need from the older guys so they can impart their knowledge.”

Despite St Kilda’s raft of young players, the defensive group remains relatively experienced.

Sam Fisher played his 200^th game in round two and Sam Gilbert his 150^th in round 15. Now it is Dempster’s turn, although he would rather focus the attention on others.

“Luke Dunstan and Jack Billings have had another pre-season under their belts and they have immersed themselves in being a footballer and what is required to be a professional athlete. They are two future leaders of our club,” he said.

“Hugh Goddard a competitive animal and is probably the polar opposite to me. He is quite loud and aggressive. His first game was against Richmond and he was nudging and bumping Ivan Maric who is much older and more experienced. He was trying to be physical with Hugh and Hugh didn’t stand for any of it.”

Even if Dempster is too modest to acknowledge his achievements, those who have watched him play should. It has been a distinguished career and it won’t be finished any time soon.