Ryan Byrnes will make his senior debut on Monday night against the Crows after a string of eye-catching displays at reserves level.
The 19-year-old was given the news this morning by Brett Ratten to the rapture of his teammates in the club’s Noosa hub, as well as parents Justine and Danny who were called in via video chat.
Byrnes becomes the second Saint to play his first senior game in 2020, following Max King in making his mark in the red, white and black.
A strong inside midfielder with great breakaway speed and a knack for racking up possessions, Byrnes was selected with pick No. 52 in last year’s draft.
The Sandringham Dragons skipper and reigning best-and-fairest was drafted as a ready-made footballer, but amid the Saints’ throng of experienced off-field acquisitions, his chances of squeezing into the senior line-up in his draft year appeared slim.
A pair of standout performances in the club’s most recent scratch matches quickly changed that, however, resulting in Byrnes’ selection as an emergency for Rounds 5 and 6.
Now, the young Saint’s sudden rise up the ranks and exceptional form have been rewarded with a well-deserved senior berth.
Byrnes becomes the 1616th player to represent St Kilda at the highest level of the men’s competition.
