Having never previously been exposed to senior football prior to the midway point of the year, Darren Minchington is aware of the opportunity within his grasp and is desperate to cement himself in Alan Richardson’s side.

After playing ten games across his first three seasons at Linen House Centre, the dynamic utility has played the last two games for the Saints, averaging 14.5 possessions, 13.5 pressure acts and a goal per game, to slot in crisply.

Minchington’s two games this season have coincided with St Kilda’s two best performances of the year, with both efforts built around elite pressure and game breaking ball movement – the traits Richardson wants his side to stand for and two defining qualities of Minchington’s game.

“It’s really exciting for me to get some games early under my belt, (to build) some confidence, so hopefully I can cement my spot now and stay in for the rest of the year,” Minchington told saints.com.au on Tuesday.

“It’s been really exciting. The way we’ve been playing our football this season has been really exciting; it’s good to get a couple of games early in the season.”

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Across his formative years at the Saints, lingering injuries have stunted Minchington’s progress at times, including a persistent knee tendonitis issue that took some time to alleviate.

But now with a comprehensive pre-season under his belt - the first in his time at Seaford - Minchington believes he has laid the right foundations to give himself the best opportunity to enjoy a strong 2016 campaign.

“It was positive. I did the majority of the pre-season this year that really helped me and it’s held me in good stead throughout the early part of this season,” Minchington said.

And with an improved aerobic base has come an increased exposure to the engine room, an area Minchington blossomed in on the weekend against Hawthorn in Tasmania.

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The powerfully built 22-year-old collected nine of his 14 touches between the arcs and gathered an equal game-high centre square clearances to emphasise his ability in close. Now, he is eyeing more time in the midfield going forward.

“I’m also getting through the midfield now which is really exciting. It’s a massive confidence booster just getting the ball playing in the midfield, it’s really set me up to play an important role in the senior side,” he said.

“That’s where I want to get to. Obviously with my fitness levels that’s where I want to achieve and permanently play in the midfield.”

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