SHANE Savage has played at both ends of the field this season but he looks to have found his niche in defence.

Traded to St Kilda from Hawthorn as an elusive midfielder and winger, the 23-year-old spent the majority of the first four rounds of the year forward of the ball and occasionally on the wing.

RELATED: The Shane Savage story

But after the bye week, Savage’s precise skills have been utilised in defence – and it’s working.

“Richo has been trialling me there for the past couple of weeks and I’ve used my run and carry off half back and disposal to help the team go forward,” he told SAINTS.com.au in this week’s VFL Spotlight.

“I’m enjoying it at the moment and hopefully I can stay there for the rest of the year.

Savage collected a season-high 30 disposals at an elite disposal efficiency of 87 per cent in Sandringham’s 44-point win over Collingwood on Saturday, providing superb rebound from start to finish.

“This was probably the best game Shane has played for Sandringham,” Paul Hudson said in his VFL player breakdown.

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Savage has never been a player who is content with raw numbers, and although he registered six inside 50s and five rebound 50s on the weekend, he’s far from satisfied with his 2014 campaign thus far – having played six senior games.

“I set high standards for myself so I’m a little bit disappointed with the way I’ve been going this year,” he said.

“I think I’m a lot better than the way I’ve been playing, but I’ve got myself into some really good form and hopefully I can finish off the year off on a good note.”



And though Savage is putting forward a strong case for a senior recall, he acknowledges breaking back into the side may require him to play a different role again, especially with youngsters Jack Newnes and Jimmy Webster performing so well at half-back recently.

“It’s always handy to be versatile and to be able to play in certain positions… If a spot opens up in the team then I’m happy to take it and make the most of it.”

While football is undoubtedly at the forefront of his mind, Savage also has his hands full preparing for the birth of his first child later this year.

“It’s really exciting.  My partner Sarah and I just announced last week that we are having a baby and it is due on Christmas day. I can’t wait for that.

“I’m loving it down here at Seaford – I couldn’t have asked for a better club to be at.”