Callum Wikie’s steady ascent up the ranks has been just as consistent as it has been remarkable. And it’s a story that gets better and better with each passing year.

At the close of every season beginning from his debut campaign, the mature-age Saint has continually heightened his standing – from reliable backman, respected club leader to All-Australian nominee – to the point where he’s now recognised as a valuable defender in eyes of the entire competition.

In a way, Wilkie’s emergence out from the relatively unknown is bittersweet: he’s no longer the unsung hero that only the faithful know and adore, but he’s now receiving the overdue credit across the league for the consistency he’s carried himself with since day one.

Unsurprisingly, his growing list of accolades have not come as any big shock. Selection in the All-Australian squad, leadership group responsibilities and even stand-in captain honours have only bolstered the key back’s résumé, with the possibility of a maiden Best & Fairest certainly not out of reach.

And at the conclusion of another season, once again, Wilkie’s story from former Adelaide accountant to revered Saint gets even better. 

By the numbers

All you need is a quick glance at the stats sheet to tell you that Wilkie rarely had an off day.

Able to grapple with tall and small forwards to impressive effect in the air and at ground level, the versatile Saint put the clamps on some of the game’s most damaging names, ranging from Jeremy Cameron, Bayley Fritsch, Jordan De Goey and Toby Greene. 

Wilkie won or nullified four out of every five one-on-one contests from his 72 encounters this season – the best ratio of any Saint – and also finished atop the pile for total marks (163), intercept marks (55) and disposal efficiency (87.5 per cent, 85 per cent by foot).

Adding to his impressive campaign, Wilkie charted second for total intercepts (133) and spoils (127) and third for rebound-50s, behind only Jack Sinclair and Jimmy Webster. 

In the votes 

In short, there aren’t many – if any games – where Wilkie will dip out on votes. In matches where both the Saints were kept busy in defence or dominated the forward-half battle, the dependable defender flew the flag to finish majority of encounters among his side’s best

A brilliant outing in his home state against the Crows in Round 10 – helping limit Darcy Fogarty to just six touches and Taylor Walker one goal – is sure to feature his name among the votes, as will his shutdown roles on Jeremy Cameron (Round 9), Bayley Fritsch (Round 8) and Jack Gunston (Round 4 and Round 20).

Shutdown roles weren’t the only weapon in his arsenal, however. Wilkie was one of only a handful of players to deliver against the Western Bulldogs in Round 18 with a measured and career-best 27 touches and 16 marks, and similarly performed well in the heavy defeat to Sydney at the SCG.

Arguably, the highlight of his season came when he kicked the opening goal – and the first of his career – in the memorable come-from-behind triumph over Richmond in Round 3.

While that celebration was special, clinching the Trevor Barker Award might just bring bout an even more euphoric one.