St Kilda Assistant Coach Rohan Welsh has identified a handful of the Saints’ younger crop of players following their performances in Friday night’s intra-club clash at Trevor Barker Oval.

Midfielders Jack Billings, Jack Newnes, Blake Acres and last year’s first-round pick Jade Gresham were all lauded by Welsh for their work through the middle part of the ground, as was experienced defender Sam Gilbert who spent the duration of the game in the centre square in a new role.

After missing the entire back half of last season due to a stress fracture in his shin, Billings has returned to full training in the last month and stood out on Friday night with his polished left-foot and clinical decision making.

“It’s important for those young guys to go through the midfield. Jack spent time on the wing, up forward, a little bit in the midfield as well. So for him to go through the wing and be in the midfield is good for us and good for him to learn as well,” Welsh told reporters after Friday night’s internal practice match.

“Yeah I think that is the plan (to play Acres in the midfield). Blake was pretty strong. I think his size and his ability to get around the ground is really pleasing and he got the ball which was good. He’s obviously someone for us to really work on and get him through the midfield.

“It was interesting to see him [Gresham] get involved when we put him in the team in black. He had a fair bit of involvement and looked clean below his knees. He didn’t look out of place, so it was positive for him as well.”

2014 No. 1 pick Paddy McCartin kicked a pair of goals, combining well with Josh Bruce in attack. Welsh praised the key forwards progression over his second pre-season, suggesting McCartin is developing well in all facets of life as a full-time athlete.

“I think a lot of our guys look stronger and leaner. It’s just one of those progression things, it’s his second year in now, he’s managing himself better, he’s more professional in his approach. It’s a combination of everything,” Welsh said.

“I think the positive signs were in his positioning and he was getting to the ball which is pretty much all we want at this time of year.”

St Kilda ruckmen Jason Holmes and Tom Hickey produced an intriguing battle with both big men getting some runs on the board early, demonstrating the benefits of a fiercely competitive summer on the track amongst the ruck department.

“I thought there was a really good battle with our rucks. ‘Holmesy’ and Hickey had a really good battle, obviously Billy’s not playing at the moment but I thought they had a really good battle and that was interesting,” Welsh said.