St Kilda has scooped the pool at the 2015 NAB AFL draft, taking three highly-rated juniors with its three selections.
The Saints selected speedy midfielder Jade Gresham with their first pick, which was 18 overall after the new bidding system pushed the selection down from 14.
St Kilda also took mid-sized defender Brandon White at pick 40 and father-son selection Bailey Rice, matching Richmond who named him with pick 49.
Gresham, 18, was named Victoria Metro’s Most Valuable Player at this year’s NAB AFL Championships having spent time playing in defence, midfield and up forward over the past two years with TAC Cup team Northern Knights.
Click here to read more about Jade Gresham and watch his highlights.
The club was thrilled to have 18-year-old White still available at pick 40 and did not hesitate to name the left-footer when their second selection came around.
The long-kicking, speedy White stands at 188cm and has played for the Dandenong Stingrays mainly as a defender, also spending time up forward.
Click here to read more about Brandon White and watch his highlights.
Rice’s father Dean played 116 games for the Saints from 1987-93 before moving to Carlton.
The Saints have been watching him closely over the past few seasons, with him taking part in the club’s father-son academy which saw him train with the team throughout the past two years.
A powerful player, with speed and agility, Rice has shown a fondness for the contested ball and presents as a quality mid-sized defender with the ability to play both in the midfield and up forward.
Click here to read more about Bailey Rice and watch his highlights.
The Saints have the fifth pick at Friday’s NAB AFL Rookie Draft, and will also hold pick 23 and 41. The club have commited to using one pick on delisted midfielder Josh Saunders and has left the door ajar to re-draft Farren Ray as a rookie.