When Mitchito Owens was drafted to the Saints in 2021, he was returning to a place he had grown to love over the previous two years. Three seasons on, and Owens has signed on the dotted line to stay home until 2029.

Owens was one of the inaugural NGA draftees for St Kilda that season, alongside great friend Marcus Windhager, who had both been in the program since 2019.

"It felt like yesterday I came here as an NGA player." Owens told Saints media. "It's pretty special to start when I was 15 years old and now be here until '29."

After making his debut in Round 1 of the 2022 season, Owens has regularly featured in the lineup as one of Ross Lyon's most trusted soldiers. A breakout season in 2023 has solidified him as a pivotal foundation of the club and its future, and its faith that he hopes to repay through at least the next four years.

"It's important that we keep improving as a group and as individuals as well," said Owens of his goals over the next four seasons.

Now entering his fourth season, Owens is looking to elevate his game once again and stand alongside his fellow young brigade that will shape the club for many years to come.

The Saints boast one of the youngest lists in the league, with those alongside Owens such as Windhager, Darcy Wilson, Mattaes Phillipou and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera all showcasing their incredible talent since joining the club in the past three seasons

"I think it's really exciting with all the younger players we've got. Mattaes, Tobie, Max Hall, Darcy Wilson, Hugo Garcia."

"I think we can build on something really strong and I'm really excited for what the future holds.

"If we can all stick together it'd be a really good culture and the future could be bright."

New coaching appointment Brendon Bolton has been massively influential for Owens in the lead-up to the 2025 season, providing new guidance and assistance in the face of a long campaign.

"He's been great. He's a footy head."

"He's very smart with his footy knowledge and he's taught me so much.

"He gets you up and going and he's been great alongside all the other coaches as well so I've been learning heaps off them."

A shoulder injury suffered in the Saints final pre-season outing against the Power has meant that Owens' preparations for the season have had to shift, with his recovery ensuring he will be fighting fit to return to the field and be at his very best.

Thankfully for Owens, positive scan results has meant he has been able to return to the track and begin immediate rehab on his way back to senior selection.

"Obviously a great result with the shoulder, nothing too serious."

"Each day gets better so I'm really confident that I can be out there very soon.

"I've just got to get some strength and power in it and then we'll be good to go."