In a previous life, they were a forward, a junior midfield gun and an accountant.
Fast-forward to 2019, and Josh Battle, Ben Paton and Callum Wilkie have emerged from relative obscurity to become key components of the Saints’ new-look back six.
Having once been touted as St Kilda’s next big thing up front, Battle’s backline move is rapidly paying off.
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A career-best showing on Saturday afternoon saw the talented 20-year-old pull in career-high numbers for intercept marks (4), metres gained (462), disposals (21) and tackles (4).
It was an outing not lost on senior coach Alan Richardson, who described the defensive project’s performance as “outstanding”.
Joining Battle in the trenches against the Crows was fellow 20-year-old Ben Paton, who similarly held his own against a talent-littered Adelaide forward-line.
The boy from Tallangatta displays a calmness not often seen in a six-gamer, and his senior experience as a 16-year-old for Midda United no doubt plays a part.
A coolly-converted goal from 48m out on the run was testament to his composure, with the bullish backman relishing his opportunity at the top level.
Paton got his chance in Round 4 when his captain Jarryn Geary was a late withdrawal due to illness.
He grabbed it with both hands.
The youngster has cemented his spot with three consistent performances, remaining in the side even when Geary returned to the side in Round 5.
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But perhaps the biggest surprise packet of the three has come in the form of rookie pick-up Callum Wilkie.
After Dylan Roberton and Jake Carlisle went down late in the pre-season, the Saints were suddenly heading into Round 1 without a key defender.
The number-cruncher from Adelaide got the call-up on the eve of the season, and has since turned heads competition-wide.
With a left foot that has already established itself as one of the most trustworthy in the league, Wilkie’s flawless kick is just the beginning for the new Saint.
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The 23-year-old backman is strong overhead and showcases his years of SANFL experience on a weekly basis with mature defensive positioning.
From his first possession in the AFL – a big contested mark then pinpoint spearing kick – Wilkie has shown he’s made of the right stuff.
Many outside St Kilda questioned the resilience of the playing group after a horror 2018.
But a plucky trio of youngsters stepping up flies in the face of that criticism.
And maybe, it’s symbolic of something bigger at Moorabbin.
