JACK Lonie has capped off a stellar debut season by winning St Kilda’s best emerging player award at tonight’s best and fairest gala.  

The 19-year-old, who recently extended his contract until the end of the 2017 season, played 17 games this year after being selected with pick no.41 in the 2014 National Draft.

Alan Richardson said the award was testament to Lonie’s hard work and dedication.

“Jack has shown enormous promise,” Richardson told SAINTS.com.au.

“He has won the respect of his teammates through his effort and the spirit in which he plays the game. He has a great combination to be able to apply pressure in the front half, coupled with his creative football instincts.”

Behind the guernsey: Jack Lonie

Lonie made his AFL debut in round one and went on to play the first seven games of the season. He was unlucky not to receive a Rising Star nomination following his 20-possession and two-goal performance  against Essendon in round five, but made up for it in round 14.

Despite weighing just 75kgs, he never shirked a contest – as illustrated by his attempted tackle against Adelaide in round seven. The left-footer was concussed and missed the following week’s game against West Coast.

VIDEO: Lonie crunched

A leg injury sustained in round 19 sidelined him for three weeks, but he returned to face West Coast in round 23.

Lonie finished the season with 12 goals and averaged 12 disposals per outing.

The best emerging player award is awarded to a player who is in their first year at the football club and displays a commitment and fierce desire to help the team succeed on the field, while taking a professional and club first approach off the field.