The 19-year-old has signed on until the end of 2016 as part of the club’s #SaintsFutureFest campaign which has gained significant momentum since Luke Dunstan recommitted 10 days ago.
VIDEO: Meet rookie Eli Templeton
Templeton was initially upgraded prior to his debut against Melbourne in round one, before playing an integral role in the Saints hard-fought victory over GWS in round two.His stellar form continued until round six, when the clever small forward broke his arm in New Zealand – ultimately ruling him out for the remainder of the 2014 season.
RELATED: Templeton undergoes surgery
Despite the bad luck, Templeton insists he’s a better off now than he was 12 months ago.“Playing six games just gave me a taste of AFL football and what I need to get back to in terms of my physique and body. It’s been a good learning experience,” Templeton told SAINTS.com.au.
“Obviously the break was pretty disappointing but I’m probably better off long-term for the developments I’ve made off-field during my time off.”
“The period on the sidelines honestly went really quickly.”
RELATED: Eli driven by draft snub
St Kilda’s recruiters were delighted to select Templeton when he slipped through the cracks to pick three at last year’s Rookie Draft.According to Head of Football Chris Pelchen, the teenager immediately impressed on the track with his endurance and clean hands.
“Eli committed himself to preparing as an AFL footballer from the moment he arrived at the club, impressing the coaches and team mates alike with his application to training at the elite level,” Pelchen told SAINTS.com.au.
“Despite an untimely injury in New Zealand early in the season, Eli promises to be an exciting addition to the Saints primary list in 2015 and we look forward to him playing regular senior football for us."
Originally a midfielder in his under 18 days with Burnie Dockers, Templeton’s light frame saw him play further afield in 2014, crafting a niche for himself as an opportunistic, crumbing forward.
VIDEO: Eli Templeton Saints Press Pass
Until he builds up his body, Alan Richardson intends to utilise his silky skills and football smarts up forward in the foreseeable future.“Eli will play across half-forward,” Richardson told SAINTS.com.au.
“He has a very strong athletic profile and is a good decision maker and excellent deliverer of the ball via foot.”
“I expect him to provide another genuine goal-kicking option for us and look forward to watching him grow physically over the summer.”
RELATED: Richo a rap for Eli
Templeton's re-signing follows Luke Dunstan, Josh Saunders, Jack Newnes, Lewis Pierce and Nathan Wright last week, in addition to Jimmy Webster on Monday, Blake Acres on Tuesday and Spencer White yesterday.
