St Kilda Coach Alan Richardson says the performance of emerging spearheads Josh Bruce, Tim Membrey and Paddy McCartin against Essendon proved that all three can function productively in the same forward line.

The trio combined for ten goals between them, including a game altering patch of seven in the third quarter, as the trio clicked into gear in their first game together at senior level.

And whilst Bruce and McCartin are conventional key forwards given their size and lead and mark style, Richardson explained that Membrey’s versatility allows all three to play in the same side, along with champion forward Nick Riewoldt.

“They definitely proved that (they can all play together up forward), but that’s not necessarily what will happen,” Richardson told reporters at his post-match press conference on Sunday night.

“Membrey will play a little bit on the wing; he only played a couple of minutes there today.

“Membrey is not a tall, whilst he’s pretty good in the air and he’s certainly not a short player, his ability to play just general footy, in terms of fall of the ball or give us connect from the back to the front is really strong for us.”

In his first game since Round 5’s loss to Greater Western Sydney, McCartin returned with aplomb. The 20-year-old plucked 10 marks, from an array of situations, including five inside 50, and kicked 2.1 as well as one goal assist where he pinpointed Bruce to demonstrate his composure within scoring range.

Richardson lauded McCartin’s marking prowess in his post-game press conference, indicating he was pleased with how the 2014 No. 1 pick returned on Sunday following three weeks out of the side.

“Paddy’s going to be an outstanding mark of the footy. He launches at the ball, he gets the ball at a real high position. He’s got very soft hands,” Richardson said.

“He’s got a really good footy brain – that subtle tap on to Joey late gives you an example of that. He’s a real thinker.

“We all know he’s on a journey Paddy, he’s only a young player, we all know the tall forwards take time.

“But we’re really pleased with the way Paddy’s going; we think he’s going to be a ripper for us.”