Jack Steele isn’t one to be scared of his own shadow, but with the way his de-facto understudy Mitch Owens has been tracking this pre-season, there's reason to feel that way.

The dual All-Australian and untried draftee have been an unlikely pairing this pre-season based off that fact alone, but have each thrived as a result of the newfound partnership. In fact, Steele has been given a run for his money at times by the unassuming youngster.

Owens’ unofficial ’apprenticeship’ under Steele has ultimately resulted in him soaring ahead of the curve, with his impressive pre-season campaign – much of which has been spent shadowing the captain – earning him a place in St Kilda’s starting line-up for Friday night’s opener against Collingwood.

The 18-year-old received the news of his debut in front of teammates late on Tuesday afternoon, with Brett Ratten relaying the same to fellow debutant Jack Hayes moments earlier.

“There’s definitely a little bit of butterflies still, it’s hard to believe it’s true,” Owens told saints.com.au.

“I knew going into that meeting that I had a little bit of a chance, but I hadn’t heard anything. There was definitely relief, then the joy and happiness when Ratts delivered the news.

“When I played the (AAMI) game against Essendon it gave me a bit of confidence, and with the bad news about Hunter Clark and Jack Billings – especially with Hunter playing as a mid – I thought maybe there might be a bit of a chance, but I definitely wouldn’t have imagined it four months ago, or even a month or two weeks ago.”

It was just over a year ago that the half-Japanese bayside local, by his own admission, was feeling “pretty lucky” to be scraping into the Sandringham Dragons U18 squad.

The sturdy on-baller had all the right attributes to be making an impact – at 191cm and 93kg, he’s the perfect template for the modern-day footballer – but had never really taken the game alight during his early days in the NAB League.

In classic ‘back of the pack’ fashion however, Owens – and his confidence – suddenly ignited. In less than two months, the draft hopeful had catapulted himself not only into regular selection contention for Sandringham, but right into the top 20 conversation heading into that year’s National Draft.

It was a rise so steep that it had Saints recruiters sweating.

As a member of St Kilda’s PURA Next Generation Academy, the club would be able to match any bid on the young midfielder outside the top 20; be picked in that bracket, and the Saints would be unable to do anything but watch their man walk to a rival side.

Fortunately for James Gallagher and his recruiting team, Owens slipped past the first-round – as did fellow NGA recruit and best mate Marcus Windhager – before being taken at pick No. 33 after Sydney placed a bid.

Although injuries to Jack Billings (hamstring) and Hunter Clark (shoulder) plus the absence of Zak Jones (personal leave) have afforded the young Saint his opportunity for Round 1, there’s no disputing that his first pre-season has captured attention for all the right reasons.

Perhaps one of the most important heads to turn was that of his captain, Jack Steele. And the skipper has certainly taken notice of the teenager’s output.

“Right from when he first got drafted, Mitch was turning heads pretty quickly,” Steele told saints.com.au.

“He was one of Ratts’ favourites from the get-go. The way he used his big frame and attacked the contest, it was just something that he loved and something I love to see as well from a first-year player coming in.

“Mitch just goes about things with a real no-fuss attitude. It’s really impressed me and I know it’s impressed a lot of others, but we’re not too surprised to see him in our best 22 to start the season off.

“He’s well and truly earned his spot in the side for this week, which is something he should be very proud of.”

While first-year players are often shielded from their far more experienced and physically mature teammates, Owens was placed right in the coalface as the Saints’ match simulation sessions heated up.

The No. 24 would be a near-constant presence at centre bounces, many times with Steele as his direct opponent. The ensuing duels between the fledgling Saint and two-time Best & Fairest weren’t one-sided, as you’d typically expect.

Despite going toe-to-toe with Steele in the initial months of pre-season, Development Coach Jake Batchelor thought the young Saint was “holding back” during match simulation sessions. A VFL practice match against Carlton in late February quickly proved that Owens had more in the tank.

Owens’ tutelage under Steele – which “just happened” according to the former – has been one which has further ramped up his self-belief, with the skipper giving him pointers on how to utilise his body and physicality, where to position himself at stoppage and where to run on-field.

While Owens is reluctant to talk up the “battles” he and Steele have had this pre-season, the latter was quick to commend his young counterpart.

“I don’t really go near the ball when he’s playing, I’ll be honest,” Steele said.

“Already he’s quite a lot stronger than me, which is amazing for someone who hasn’t spent that long in the gym. He’s naturally strong and he’s got the instincts of a footballer which is so important.

“He’s definitely challenged me. I think Ratts put it on him to try and shadow me as much as he possibly can in the pre-season, which has also helped push me along too and try and beat this young kid that’s trying to outdo me as well.

“It’s been a great little challenge for the both of us and that’s something that will only push us further along.

“I’m still trying to crack him really and get a bit more out of him, but it’s something we’ll keep working on together and hopefully we’ll be able to play a lot of footy together.”

In many ways, Owens and Steele share several similarities. Both are quietly spoken but uncompromisingly fierce in the clinches, both ferociously competitive and now, they’ll both be running out side by side as St Kilda looks to begin its 2022 campaign on the right note.

The high praises from captain and coach have been sung, but Owens says it won’t truly sink in until the Marvel Stadium turf is under his feet on Friday night.

“To get the win would be unreal,” Owens said.

 “For me though it’s just about competing all game and hopefully being able to play a good one. That’s all I can really do.”