After coming into the AFL system far later than most as a 22-year-old, Callum Wilkie has made up ground in an incredibly short space of time.
Since arriving at RSEA Park as a mature-age rookie in 2019, St Kilda’s “Mr Reliable” has gone on to become a valuable member of the club’s back six.
He’s yet to miss a beat – or a game - since making his debut in Round 1 2019, with this Friday against the Cats marking his 50th senior match.
“It’s nice to get the 50 up,” Wilkie told media on Monday morning.
“When I got drafted, I didn’t think this was going to happen so quick.
“It’s nice to get these personal accolades, but the focus is obviously going to be Geelong, who are in red-hot form.”
During his short time at the Saints, Wilkie has finished in the top 10 in the past two Trevor Barker Awards and locked down a position in the club’s leadership group for 2021.
Incredibly, it was only three years ago that Wilkie was working as an accountant in Adelaide and running around in the SANFL for North Adelaide a couple of times a week.
While Wilkie “wasn’t 100% focused on footy” as he balanced his full-time career with SANFL commitments, that changed when his name was read out in the 2018 Rookie Draft at pick No. 3.
“I was sort of enjoying footy for what it was - a little bit of an escape from work and then enjoying playing with my mates,” Wilkie said.
“Then once I got here (at St Kilda) – it obviously wasn’t that – it was probably ‘this is my shot, this is my one and only shot.’
“I knew that once I got into the system, I’d be putting 100% of my effort into footy rather than when I was playing state league.
As well as entrenching his place in St Kilda’s starting line-up, Wilkie has also emerged as a prominent leader at the club.
Alongside Dougal Howard, the No. 44 has had to step up in the absence of co-captain Jarryn Geary down back, with younger players such as Hunter Clark, Nick Coffield and Tom Highmore looking up to him.
“They do [look up to me] which is funny in a way that I’ve just reached my 50 games and am considered a leader,” he said.
“But I guess that’s sort of the personality I have and that’s what I’m good at - helping those young guys like Coff and Hunter.
“They look to me and Dougal - we try and be the wise heads and help others down there.”
Wilkie, who recently penned a two-year contract extension, will be looking to continue his seamless run of form for the foreseeable future.
But the grounded defender knows the hard work doesn’t stop.
“You don’t take anything for granted, you walk into these amazing club rooms each day and sort of pinch yourself still.
“Hopefully I’ll still be doing that for years to come.”
