Mitchito Owens’ commanding performance against Gold Coast has been rewarded with a nomination for the 2023 Rising Star.
The 19-year-old was captivating from siren-to-siren at Marvel Stadium, ending his evening with 27 disposals (19 contested), two goals, a Mark of the Year nom and eight coaches' votes to boot as the Saints continued their undefeated run.
Owens jagged his two majors in the second half as St Kilda broke away after half-time, but was just as influential in the game’s early stages through his inside grunt, aerial work and pressure both inside the arc and further up the ground.
The 11-game Saint has formed a crucial part of St Kilda’s makeshift forward line, aptly stepping up in the absence of Max King, Tim Membrey and Jack Hayes.
Assuming the role of a key forward post-Christmas as St Kilda’s tall timber went down one-by-one, Owens spent time with assistant coach Robert Harvey to refine his craft and shift his running patterns from those of a midfielder into one of a forward.
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RD23 | ‘Miracle goal’ from Owens has Saints dreaming
St Kilda’s remarkable comeback continues with a stunning finish from Mitch Owens,
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RD19 | Mitch makes his mark as Saints' silky hands shine
Mitch Owens adds another goal to his side's hot start with a solid finish on the run.
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A day in the life of Mitch and Marcus
Follow young Saints and best friends Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager on and off the track in this special feature.
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RD10 | Owens flies yet again for Mark of the Year contender
Vote for Mitch Owens as he finds himself in the running for Mark of the Year once again.
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RD10 | Owens' over-the-top mark brings plenty of spark
Mitch Owens lifts his side with a super speccy and finish in the second term.
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RD9 | Swing King! Wild bounce works for Owens
Max King’s effort on goal somehow stays in play for Mitch Owens to dribble home his side’s first.
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RD5 | Owens' giant leap earns Mark of the Year nom
Mitch Owens' grab over the Giants has earned a Mark of the Year nomination for Round 5.
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AAMI Series | Pressure Saints burst out the blocks
Mitch Owens nabs his second after his side’s forward pressure forced this crucial turnover.
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AAMI Series | Owens owning the term and earning well-deserved goal
Mitch Owens nails his side’s third major of the quarter with this classy finish giving his side the lead.
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Walk with...: Owens and Windhager on taking the next steps
Mitch Owens and Marcus Windhager look back on the season that was and how they're priming for a big third season in Saints colours.
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His eight goals for the season sits second only to Jack Higgins (10), with the No. 10 also charting runner-up for the Saints’ score involvements (25), marks inside-50 (seven) and forward-50 groundball gets (nine).
The Next Generation Academy recruit follows Marcus Windhager in securing a nomination for the Rising Star, with the latter earning his plaudit in the penultimate game of Season 2022.
Mattaes Phillipou and Anthony Caminiti are the only two Saints to have registered senior appearances this season who are still eligible for the Rising Star.
