A year after bursting onto the scene, St Kilda rising star Jade Gresham took another step forward in 2017 to demonstrate why the Saints used a
The 20-year-old played every game in his second year, racing to 40 games to sit only behind Sydney’s Callum Mills (45 games), Carlton’s Jacob Weitering (42) and Richmond’s Daniel Rioli (41) in terms of experience from his draft class.
Playing predominantly as a small forward, Gresham booted 30.30 to kick the third most goals at Linen House Centre, behind Tim Membrey (38.14) and Josh Bruce (36.27), as well as being ranked No. 1 for scoreboard impact (total number of points scored, including assists) at the club.
While he was recruited to play a long-term midfield role and is set for more midfield time in the next few years, Gresham has quickly established himself as a reliable goal sneak, booting three goals on four occasions this year, as well as a bag of five in the last game of the season.
Performance of the year:
Round 23 v Richmond at the MCG
16 disposals, nine score involvements, five goals, four inside
Alan Richardson’s views:
“2017 was a year that Gresh showed the footy world the player he is capable of becoming,” Richardson said.
“He was a bit like our team in many ways. His best footy was at a really high level, but the gap between his best and worst from game to game, or within games, still needs work.
“If he continues to commit to his training and preparation like he has this season, then I have no doubt that will happen.”
“We need him to continue to develop his endurance capacity to eventually step up and play more time through the midfield.”
“That will be a real focus for him this pre-season.
“Because of his speed, agility, and ability to be clean under pressure, we expect him to become a dangerous midfielder in the next few years."
The numbers:
22 games
30 goals
14.3 disposals
6.2 score involvements
3.3 inside
