The 19-year-old didn’t have a huge evening in terms of total possessions, but he made every one of his 17 disposals count, finishing with a disposal efficiency of 88 per cent.
And although Dunstan was reasonably pleased with his own efforts, it’s the performances of the veterans that left him in awe after the game.
Hayes had 30 touches and 11 clearances, while Riewoldt booted four goals for the night.
“I think Lenny showed again why he’s been such a good player for a long period of time,” Dunstan told SAINTS.com.au.
“What aren’t I learning? Lenny’s a pretty special player and he’s a great bloke as well… I’m all ears.
“Obviously Rooey’s work-rate – he got double-teamed for most of the game and still managed to kick four.”
Dunstan, who was the round one nomination for the Rising Star award, has established himself in the team’s engine room and shapes as a long-term player for the Saints alongside fellow draftee Jack Billings, who kicked two goals against the Blues.
“The young boys like Jack Billings – he was pretty outstanding I think. Blakey [Acres] found a lot of the ball early… It’s only his second game and he’s shown enough. I think it will come,” Dunstan said.
“It’s pretty special that we are all playing together so early in our careers.”
