Adjusting to a new environment, a new club and new teammates can come with its own raft of challenges, but Paige Trudgeon has had zero problems settling into her new home at St Kilda. Well, outside of playing against Jesse Wardlaw at training, that is.

St Kilda’s new recruit Paige Trudgeon carries her “can-do” attitude in everything she does. From learning defensive craft after years of kicking goals, to pushing basketball to the side in pursuit of her football dreams and switching over from Carlton to St Kilda, the key defender has proved she can rise to any occasion. And what better way to welcome the 21-gamer than with the challenge of playing against one of the game's best forwards week after week.

But with all the challenges of pre-season preparation comes the warmth and love of her new home and teammates, who she says have helped made her move seamless and comfortable.

The upbeat and hardworking defender prides herself on her work ethic, which she believes has been pushed to greater heights in her first season at the Saints as she regularly trains against one of the best in the business.

“I’ve been training on Jesse Wardlaw over the pre-season and she’s a massive competitor, so it’s been really beneficial for me. I’ve been pushed harder than I ever have before this pre-season,” Trudgeon told saints.com.au.

“I knew Hannah Priest was a good leader, but it’s in everything she does. When it’s time to have a laugh, she will, and when its time she really pushes us to our limits.”

When St Kilda’s new number 10 isn’t preying in the backline, you’ll likely find her in a classroom. It takes a certain type of person to juggle professional football with a teaching degree, but for Trudgeon, nothing seems too difficult. And chances are, she’s got a huge smile on her face while doing it.

St Kilda recruited Trudgeon during last year’s Trade Period, with the ex-Blue finding herself at RSEA Park on the back of a complex four-way trade involving the Saints, Blues, Magpies and Kangaroos.

But for the 180cm giant, her rise to the big stage was certainly left of centre.

It’s not every day that you land at an AFLW club – and win the Rookie of the Year Award in your debut campaign – after just a single season of senior football, especially when she expected little in return when nominating herself for the AFLW Draft.

“I got drafted as an injury replacement player to Carlton and I remember I went to thank the coach for the opportunity, and he told me they’ve decided to draft me,” Trudgeon said.

“I was then fortunate enough to play every game after I debuted in round one. I was stoked.”

Now, her talent speaks for itself as she remains focused in her new colours, refining her craft ahead of the AFLW season opener just over a week’s time.

St Kilda met with both North Melbourne and West Coast in their pre-season hit outs, falling to the former but beating the latter in a highly momentous brand of football that exposed some exciting glimpses into what this season could hold.

Trudgeon was particularly impressive in both matches, finding her feet alongside defensive counterparts Serene Watson and Bianca Jakobbson; the tall trio keeping West Coast goalless to quarter-time.

The key defender remains one to watch ahead of this season, with her vertical jump and long intercepting limbs a lethal asset on-field. With skills on-side, Trudgeon is set to be an important hand in the team’s hunt for success this season.

“We’ve never played finals, so we are hoping to change that this year. We are all pushing ourselves and improving every single week,” Trudgeon said.

“We want to win this season, and we are all on the same page so I think this will be a really good season for us.”