Nick Coughlan’s football journey took a step forward on the weekend with the rookie key defender experiencing his first taste of senior football in St Kilda’s opening NAB Challenge clash against North Melbourne.

With Sam Fisher absent and Sam Gilbert playing in the midfield before sitting out the second half, Coughlan was part of an inexperienced back six that was beaten by a potent Kangaroos attack.

And when Paddy McCartin departed the game due to hamstring tightness in the first quarter, forcing Tom Lee to switch forward, Coughlan found himself matching up against 293-game veteran Drew Petrie at different times. He finished with eight disposals and four spoils, demonstrating an appetite for the contest.

After playing in the TAC Cup and VFL last year before the Saints selected him in the rookie draft, the Albury product revealed that his first game in red, white and black was a noticeable jump in intensity and demands, as well as being an exciting experience.

“It was a big step up from anything than I’ve done before, going through TAC cup and VFL. It’s just another step up,” Coughlan told saints.com.au following his first exposure to senior football on Saturday.

“It was a good experience, hopefully I can take that into the next chance that I get.

“It was a bit exciting, everyone back home got a bit excited about it all. I just tried to stay a bit relaxed about it and listen to the blokes who have the experience.”

Nearly three months into his time at Linen House Centre, Coughlan lauded stalwart club servants Sean Dempster and Sam Fisher for their guidance during his infancy, particularly the former who has taught him how to dot his i’s and cross his t’s.

“Definitely Sam Fisher and Sean Dempster, they’ve helped me a hell of a lot,” Coughlan said.

“Sean Dempster’s just the most professional bloke out there, so I’ve just tried to do everything he does. I try to do the same. It’s worked for him the past 12 years so hopefully I can have a career just like his.”

At the tail end of his maiden pre-season, Coughlan admits he has enjoyed the challenge of backing up day-in, day-out.

“It’s been tough but I’m really enjoying it. I haven’t missed a session this whole entire pre-season, so I’ve loved it and I’ve just enjoyed being around the boys,” Coughlan said.

Across the summer months in Seaford, Coughlan’s endurance base has gradually improved. But to hold down a defensive key post, he knows that’s only one piece of the puzzle, with size and strength also on his ‘to-do’ list.

“I’ve just tried to get my fitness up, that’s a big area that I struggled in in my juniors. I feel like I’ve improved that a fair bit,” he said.

“Now I just need to bulk up and hopefully be one of those big key defenders that goes a long way.”