St Kilda’s 2018 campaign was memorable for the wrong reasons.
From a team perspective, it was nowhere near what was expected, and the outlook for the year ahead seemed bleak at best.
But every cloud – no matter how dark – has a silver lining, so the saying goes.
And looking to 2019, the side’s improvement – backed by the early season results – has been prominent.
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A series of pre-season setbacks had the Saints on the ropes before a single ball had been bounced.
But the growth of upcoming talents has been the story so far, with several youngsters engraining themselves into the senior line-up.
While the wins on the board haven’t come as readily over the past month, the individual achievements and impressions these emerging players have left on the side have been superb.
Here’s a look at just some who are helping make the change at St Kilda.
Ben Paton
Debut: Round 21, 2018 v Essendon
Career games: 9
2019 games: 6
2019 key stats (average): 17 disposals, 3 rebound 50s
It’s a daunting task for any 19-year-old to step into the senior side.
But it’s another thing entirely to fill the enormous shoes left by the skipper.
Since coming into the side in Round 4 against Hawthorn, Ben Paton has slotted seamlessly into St Kilda’s new-look defence in Jarryn Geary’s continued absence.
Ben Paton was already showing composure in just his third game against North Melbourne, pictured above.
Blessed with a cool head under pressure and footballing nous seldom seen from a teenager, Paton’s consistent execution of such traits over the past month has been a highlight.
Paton’s most impressive game of his fledgling career came against Melbourne in Round 5, with the Tallangatta boy racking up a career-high 23 disposals and six rebound 50s to steer the Saints to a memorable victory.
Although the youngster will be out through injury for this week’s clash against Carlton, there’s plenty more for Paton to offer in the second half of the year.
Callum Wilkie
Debut: Round 1, 2019 v Gold Coast
Career games: 9
2019 games: 9
2019 key stats (average): 14 disposals, four marks, two rebound 50s
As far as ‘making an impact right away’ goes, Callum Wilkie has delivered in spades.
Heading into Round 1 without key backs Dylan Roberton, Nathan Brown and Jake Carlisle, the prospect of St Kilda kickstarting their 2019 campaign with a loss seemed frighteningly real.
But the 23-year-old North Adelaide recruit filled the void in just his first game, finishing with 11 disposals, nine one-percenters and three rebound 50s in the Saints’ dramatic one-point win over Gold Coast.
Callum Wilkie cuts off another Collingwood entry inside 50.
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The intercepting defender has only grown from there; his games against Hawthorn (21 disposals) and Melbourne (17 disposals, eight marks) among the best in his nine-game career.
Armed with his penetrating left-boot and clinical precision to complement it, it’s been largely through Wilkie that the Saints’ backline has remained stable, despite the heavy injury toll.
It's hard to believe he only has nine games under his belt.
Josh Battle
Debut: Round 7, 2017 v Essendon
Career games: 16
2019 games: 9
2019 key stats (average): 15 disposals, six intercept possessions, four rebound 50s
‘Josh Battle to defence’ was a phrase that had many up in arms in the pre-season.
The prospective forward powerhouse showed plenty throughout his limited run in 2018, reviving the Saints’ attack with a combined 19 majors between himself, Paddy McCartin and Tim Membrey over three matches, of which Battle booted six.
But flash-forward to 2019, and the unpredictable move to defence has cemented the Haileybury College product as arguably St Kilda’s next defensive keystone.
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His forward craft and aerial dominance has proven invaluable down back, with Battle able to read the play like a book and subsequently dictate the Saints’ movements forward.
The move to defence has been nothing short of positive for Josh Battle.
It’s been evident on the stats sheet, with Battle placing second for rebound 50s (34) and disposal efficiency (86), while taking out top honours for total marks (56) and intercept marks (16).
Furthermore, from his nine games this season, Battle has only been beaten four times in contested one-on-one contests.
Battle almost held West Coast’s Jack Darling goalless last fortnight, with the Eagles powerhouse squeezing in a last-gasp major in the game’s final seconds.
With plenty more scalps on the horizon, it appears the move down back is already paying dividends.
Daniel McKenzie
Debut: Round 5, 2015 v Essendon
Career games: 42
2019 games: 8
2019 key stats (average): 12 disposals, four tackles, two marks
Daniel McKenzie has been on the defensive fringes for most of his playing career.
But now, the dogged defender is making a pressing case to remain a permanent member of St Kilda’s back six.
It all began in the second half of last year, and the endurance machine has only solidified himself further into the Saints’ defensive set-up this season.
Daniel McKenzie is beginning to find his niche in the St Kilda defence.
Missing just the one game through concussion, McKenzie has been impressive in the absences of Jarryn Geary, Dylan Roberton and Jake Carlisle.
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A 19-disposal and 12-mark performance against Adelaide remains among his best displays, while his effort against Gold Coast (14 disposals, five tackles) was just as influential.
With a three-year contract extension reward for his hardness, McKenzie will be more than determined to repay the faith.
Rowan Marshall
Debut: Round 18, 2017 v Sydney
Career games: 20
2019 games: 7
2019 key stats (average): 25 hitouts, 16 disposals, five clearances
He’s fast becoming a cult figure among the St Kilda faithful, and for good reason.
Since being given the reins to the Saints’ number one ruck position, Rowan Marshall has blossomed, entrenching himself among the club’s best performers every week.
Although often surpassed in height and total hitouts against his far more experienced opponents, the mature-age ruckman has utilised his athleticism to great effect to find an edge over his rivals.
Rowan Marshall wins the tap against Collingwood's Brodie Grundy.
Marshall’s mobility and coverage of the ground has emerged as a hallmark of his game, as too has his clearance work, in which he places only behind Jade Gresham (41) and Jack Steele (39) from two less games.
His two-goal performance against GWS’ Shane Mumford in Round 7 was nothing short of admirable, while his efforts against Fremantle (40 hitouts) and Hawthorn (17 disposals, seven clearances, one goal) were equally outstanding.
A move to the senior list capped off Marshall’s 2018.
And given his current form, there may be more rewards on the way by season’s end.
Jack Billings
Debut: Round 1, 2014 v Melbourne
Career games: 94
2019 games: 9
2019 key stats (average): 27 disposals, two clearances, two rebound 50s
A high draft pick automatically comes with the expectation to deliver the impossible.
After a heavily scrutinised 2018, which saw his omission from the senior side midway through the season, Jack Billings has taken the next steps in silencing his critics.
The mantra of “moving forward” was pivotal to the No. 3 draft pick heading into the new year.
And it has undoubtedly paid dividends in 2019.
Jack Billings was pivotal in the Saints' win over Hawthorn in Round 4.
Of his nine games this season, Billings has dropped just the two under 25 disposals, with quality performances against Fremantle (32 disposals, two goals), Hawthorn (a career-high 34 disposals) and Melbourne (28 disposals, two goals) underlining his belief of not letting the past determine his future.
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His ability to rack up the footy has been evident, with the young Saint leading all comers for total disposals (247) as he evolves into the quality midfielder he was destined to be.
Now approaching the 100-game milestone and establishing himself as a mainstay of the Saints’ engine room, there’s only one thing on Billings’ mind.
Looking forward.
