Second-year Saint Liam O'Connell has put his name in the selection conversation for the season ahead after a strong pre-season appearance against Carlton on Saturday.
O'Connell, an Irish recruit out of Cork and Ballincollig, suited up for the Saints at Princes Park to show his value ahead of his second season in the red, white and black.
The 21-year-old booted two goals in Ross Lyon's side, but a highlight for O'Connell came with an intercept and assist to Dan Butler in the forward 50 during the opening term.
While the Saints were also impressed with the outings of young crop Hugh Boxshall, Max Hall, Tobie Travaglia, Hugo Garcia and Angus Hastie, it was O'Connell who has caught attention as a surprise selection chance.
Speaking after the victory over the Blues, St Kilda assistant Corey Enright hinted O'Connell would have to be considered for a spot in Lyon's squad come the home and away season.
"Liam O'Connell impressed us today," Enright said.
"We'd like to think (he could play AFL this year). Today just showed he's capable of playing at the level.
"He's a really good character. His story is great, he's come to the other side of the world and applied himself really strongly.
"He's really respected amongst his peers. He understands what we want to do. It's just great reward for effort for him today."
Home to one of the youngest lists in the AFL, the Saints look to have another wave of emerging talent coming through thanks to a large intake of draft talent from last November.
The club's raw options aren't waiting around to leave an impact, placing immediate selection pressure on Lyon's incumbent options.
"It's exciting, that's what you want," Enright added.
"If someone goes down we can replace them and feel comfortable and confident that they can do the job.
"We're quite a young group. So any exposure and experience, with the minutes we got into those guys today, is so valuable for those guys and for us as a team."
Mature-aged addition Harry Boyd did his chances of a Round 1 debut no harm in the absence of injured ruckman Rowan Marshall (pelvis).
The Saints also got a good look at top recruit Jack Macrae in his new colours, with club's midfield options limited due to the injuries that have sidelined Jack Sinclair (hamstring) and Mattaes Phillipou (leg).
Sinclair is expected to feature in St Kilda's season opener against Adelaide on Sunday, March 16, while there is confidence surrounding Marshall's selection chances.
