St Kilda's Callum Wilkie says being overlooked in the draft built some much-needed "resilience" that has turned him into one of the competition's best defenders.
Wilkie was plucked from anonymity with Pick 3 in the 2019 Rookie Draft from North Adelaide, and since his debut in Round 1 the following year, he hasn't missed a beat. Literally.
The 29-year-old will salute his 150 AFL games, all of which have come consecutively since joining the Saints, but it is more a testament to the unique journey he's taken to the top flight.
Wilkie currently sits second for most consecutive games for active players, behind record holder and Collingwood midfielder Jack Crisp. He also sits second for most consecutive games from debut, behind former Sydney player Jared Crouch (194).
"Fair bit of luck," Wilkie said modestly.
"Everyone's a professional, you want to get your body right, week in, week out. Some people are purely unlucky. I say I don't run quick enough to do a soft-tissue or don't have a big frame on my joints."
After missing out on his draft year, Wilkie balanced his University degree, working full time as an accountant and playing state-league football for the Roosters, which he says gave him a greater "perspective" on what it takes to make it to the AFL.
A pair of seasons in the SANFL ahead of his St Kilda selection saw the uncompromising defender claim second in the 2017 best and fairest, while a premiership for North Adelaide and a best and fairest nod sealed his fate in living out his dream.
Although after six completed seasons in the system, Wilkie remains "blessed" to be at the Moorabbin club.
"A few things," Wilkie continued.
"The perspective of going to Uni, working full time, balancing state league footy holds you in very good stead for this (AFL) life.
"It really gives you a good perspective of how good AFL football is, it's a great job. There's ups and downs, pressures of winning and losing, and they can weigh on you a fair bit.
"Ultimately, we have a great job, and I feel blessed coming into work every day, and I tell myself that.
"Not getting drafted built some resilience."
But despite the allure of returning home, Wilkie noted that he's established himself in Melbourne and the St Kilda football club, saying it's "only an hour flight" back to his former life.
The left-footer has more than repaid the Saints on their bold investment back in 2018, becoming one of the competition's best defenders, reflected by his All-Australian nod in 2023 and his Trevor Barker Award last year.
Seen as a leader of the club, Wilkie's focus is on helping "fast-track" the next wave of stars coming through as Ross Lyon's side goes through a period of soul-searching.
"There's a good, young cohort there that can take this club forward," Wilkie added.
"Us, as leaders and senior players, just want to want to help and fast track that development, but their eagerness and wanting to learn and get better is awesome, and over the last few weeks, we've seen them play good footy."
The Saints have produced a strong month of football despite not getting the wins on the board, with their last victory coming in Round 12 against Melbourne.
Sunday's task against Geelong will be no easy contest, although historically, Lyon's men have matched up well against the Cats.
Wilkie is all but set to reacquaint with star forward Jeremy Cameron at GMHBA Stadium.
