Journeyman Paul Hunter will make his AFL debut this Sunday, filling the No. 1 ruck role for St Kilda’s clash with GWS.

The 28-year-old was signed by the Saints as part of the pre-season supplemental selection period, previously spending four years on Adelaide’s rookie list without making a senior appearance.

Hunter featured in both of the Saints’ pre-season matches against North Melbourne and Carlton; the latter in the absences of Rowan Marshall and Paddy Ryder.

The mature-age recruit will be joined by South Adelaide teammate and fellow debutant Tom Highmore at GIANTS Stadium, who was picked up at the 2020 National Draft with pick No. 45.

“Both boys have waited for a fair chunk of time to get the opportunity, with Paul at 28, and it will be great for him to play,” Ratten said.

“Paul was playing for Redland in the Queensland League a few years ago. He played for Adelaide and didn’t get a game, went up there (to Queensland), then went back to South Australia.

“Players have got their own story, but they all have the opportunity to make a mark on their own AFL careers.”