St Kilda coach Brett Ratten has revealed first-year midfielder Marcus Windhager was involved in a car accident just hours prior to his AFL debut.

Windhager was named for the Saints' clash with Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday, becoming the third debutant for Ratten's side this season.

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Taken with the 47th overall selection in last year's National Draft, the bullish teenager joined the Saints as a graduate of their Next Generation Academy after a promising season with the Sandringham Dragons.

Windhager followed fellow Saints NGA alumni Mitchito Owens and top 2021 selection Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera in making his debut this season, with the midfielder collecting 15 disposals and laying four tackles in his maiden match.

Speaking after the 69-point win, Ratten revealed the 18-year-old was able to shake off a shock car accident prior to pulling on the red, white and black for the first time.

“Marcus did a really good job,” the St Kilda coach said.

MARCUS WINDHAGER
Defender
St Kilda
ROUND 4 STATS
2
Marks
15
Disposals
1
Rebound50s

“He actually had a car accident this morning, so he was probably a little bit rattled and he’s come out and performed at a pretty good standard first up.

“His contested ball and his competitiveness was there, and his ability to run over the ground is pretty impressive for a young fella.”

Windhager and Wanganeen-Milera were among seven Indigenous Saints players to feature in Sunday's win, with Paddy Ryder, Jade Gresham, Ben Long, Jarrod Lienert and Brad Hill also involved in the dominant performance.

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Both Gresham and Hill booted four goals to lift the Saints into fourth on the ladder, currently carrying a 3-1 record and percentage of over 130 after the 142-73 dismantling of Hawthorn.

Ratten's side will host the Suns at Marvel Stadium next Saturday as they look to extend their three-game winning streak.