Tobie Travaglia has only been at St Kilda for less than a month, but already he’s already made sure to lean on some of the club’s most established talents as he eyes off a midfield spot in the coming seasons.
The pick No. 8 from this year’s Telstra AFL Draft has had skipper Jack Steele take him under his wing, showing him the early ropes as he embarks on the initial stages of his career in red, white and black.
Travaglia has hinted at “little pinch-hits” on-ball in due time as he continues under Steele’s tutelage, however has been earmarked for roles off half-back or along the wing that require and highlight more of his impressive aerobic traits as he gets his AFL journey underway.
“I’m looking to work into that midfield role as the years go on, so I’m (hoping) to understand the roles and the craft which is something I’ve been relying on (Jack) on,” Travaglia said at this morning’s press conference at RSEA Park.
“For me, I feel my run and dash is probably (my) main thing, but first I want to earn the respect of the players and understand the structures, which I’m going through. After I do that I’ll start worrying about playing and using my strengths.
“Obviously it’s a consistent grind being an AFL player, so it’s probably the one thing (that’s helped) with all the little tips and tricks they’ve passed on. With drills and running I feel like I’m keeping up with them. I’m just trying to keep that consistent as well which is the important thing.”
Travaglia will no doubt link up with fellow running machine Bradley Hill across his first season at the Saints, despite being at very different stages of their respective careers.
The 31-year-old Hill, entering his 14th pre-season at the highest level and his sixth under Ross Lyon, finished second at last month’s time trial as he looks to be at the forefront of St Kilda’s running game in 2025.
Being quite the veteran under Lyon and knowing the way the senior coach ticks and thinks, Hill’s advice for the fresh-faced Travaglia — who Lyon believes will be a key part of the club’s gameplan moving forward — is crystal clear.
“He’ll love Ross and Ross will love him. All I’ll say is keep working hard, which he’s done from the minute he’s walked through the doors and he’s going to have a bright future ahead,” Hill said.
“Even the other day I saw him training, running along the wing and having three touches… I was like ‘yeah, that’s pretty awesome to see’ and have a young fella like that have confidence and backing himself in.
“It doesn’t get any easier, I can tell you that! I’ve been very lucky to play AFL for 14 years and I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I just can’t wait to get to work.”
Among the Saints’ young players catching the eye in drills and in the intense running repetitions around RSEA Park has been Mattaes Phillipou, who is eager to pick up where he left off following his blistering finish to last season.
After battling through form and a hip injury in his second season at the highest level, Phillipou appears primed to tackle his third senior campaign in the best shape possible, consistently featuring amid the club’s strongest runners at training, headlined by Darcy Wilson.
“Obviously he finished off the season strong last year and he’s taken it into pre-season. That’s where we want our growth to come from, from our younger players, and hopefully Mattaes keeps taking those steps forward,” Hill said.
“He’s got all the traits to be a great player and I’m very excited to see what he can do next year.”
