A fourth mid-season draftee will play their first game in the AFL this weekend with St Kilda's Campbell Lake as the latest debutant.
Only 12 days after being selected by the Saints with Pick 7 in the 2026 Mid-Season Rookie Draft, Lake will get to live out his boyhood dream as he was named to play against Sydney at the SCG on Sunday.
The former Southport Sharks forward kicked two goals and gathered 11 touches on debut for the Saints.
"Just remember Campbell has only been here nine days so we have to make sure we keep educating him, if you see something, direct him and instruct him," St Kilda head of development and learning Damian Carroll said to the group in the club's video.
"He's been up at 4:30am doing full days of work, having his lunch break at 11 o'clock, going to Southport as well and training. He has been ready since he was eight years old and if we help him, we know he is going to help us and that's going to start this weekend with your first game."
Lake was part of Southport in the VFL for three seasons after playing his junior career with the Gold Coast Academy.
After he was selected in the mid-season draft a fortnight ago, St Kilda talent identification and player movement manager Simon Dalrymple said Saints fans will fall in love with the hard-working high-forward.
“Campbell is a powerful small forward who can also play through midfield,” Dalrymple said.
“His ability to chase and tackle is impressive, while he's also shown signs of being able to hit the scoreboard, so we're excited to add him to our mix.”
“We can't wait to see what Campbell produces as a Saint, and look forward to welcoming him and his family to RSEA Park.”
Fellow 2026 mid-season draftees Mitch Podhajski (Collingwood) and Hugo Hall-Kahan (Adelaide) will debut this round, while 2024 mid-season draftee Luker Kentfield (Melbourne) has also earned his maiden game.
