Darcy Wilson will make his debut in red, white and black this Saturday against Geelong, with the club tonight confirming the 18-year-old will form part of the starting line-up for Round 1.

The first-round draftee from Wangaratta hasn’t put a foot wrong since joining the club with pick No. 18 at last year’s AFL Draft, showing plenty of upside through his moments of class on-field and diligent approach off it.

Wilson featured in St Kilda’s two pre-season hit-outs against Essendon and North Melbourne to press his case for an early-season berth before being told the news this afternoon. 

“I’m pretty excited, I’m keen to get out there in Geelong and run out with the boys,” Wilson told saints.com.au.

“A lot of hard work has gone into it, but I’ve been supported really well at the Saints so I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’ve learned heaps off a couple of leaders - Jack Steele, Jack Sinclair and all the classy players that show you how hard you have to train. I’ve loved my time here and there’s exciting times ahead.”

Able to hit targets on either side of the body and even push forward to have an impact on the scoreboard, the well-rounded Wilson follows recent first-round selections Mattaes Phillipou, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Max King in forming the next generation of premium young Saints talent.

Wilson comes to St Kilda already with a rich football connection. His great-uncle, Des Cole, played for St Kilda during the 1950s, his uncle is Premiership Roo Mick Nolan, and his family is close with Premiership Saint and fellow Wangaratta local Bob Murray and his family to boot.

St Kilda’s line-up for Round 1 will be finalised this coming Thursday at 6:20pm AEST.