KEY forward Paddy McCartin showed enough signs in 2015 to suggest he will be key pillar in St Kilda’s next premiership tilt, according to senior coach Alan Richardson.

The 2014 number one draft pick played six senior games this season, booting three goals and averaging just under five marks per outing.

He underwent finger surgery two weeks ago, but is expected to be fully fit by the time pre-season training starts in early November.

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 “There were times when Paddy struggled,” Richardson told SAINTS.com.au.

“Certainly in his first couple of games, he wasn’t quite ready, but the team needed him. Paddy is just one of those kids that will just do whatever the footy club wants.

“He’s an outstanding person and is going to be a great player for a long time.”

St Kilda will take the long-term view with McCartin, according to Richardson. But by the same token, the second-year senior coach hopes and expects the teenager to be relentless in his pursuit of excellence.

“We need to be somewhat patient with Paddy,” he said.

“Paddy is not allowed to be patient with Paddy. Paddy is going to have to work as if he wants to be a great player tomorrow. That will cause a little bit of angst, that’s fine and we’ll manage that situation.”

He debuted against Collingwood in round three and held his spot for the following week’s Anzac Day clash against Carlton in Wellington. Omitted and urged to further hone his craft in the VFL, McCartin returned to face Richmond in round 16 after three months out of the team.

He kicked his first career goal against the Tigers and took nine marks against Melbourne in round 17, demonstrating his potential alongside skipper Nick Riewoldt and athletic forward Josh Bruce.

“I think the recruiters absolutely got it right with Paddy,” Richardson said.

“It was always going to be a learning year for Paddy. History shows that tall forwards take a while. The guys that are more physically ready are the midfielders.”

Fellow Vic Country key position prospect Hugh Goddard played two more senior games than McCartin in 2015 but was forced to bide his time in the VFL before an opportunity to debut presented itself in round 16.

This method, rather than McCartin’s, is more preferable for young big-bodied players, Richardson suggested.

“Hugh came in following strong form in the VFL did really well,” he said.

“It was probably the ideal template in many ways. He looked like he was ready to go at the level. He was really strong.”