On the back of a breakout season by one key forward and the early stages of emergence of another, St Kilda’s power stocks inside forward 50 appear brighter than they did 12 months ago.

Champion forward Nick Riewoldt showed no signs of slowing down in 2015 and could be utilised further afield this season to allow others to continue their development this season.

Josh Bruce was one of the biggest surprise packets of last year, transforming from a key defender into a power forward to be more of a presence in games. The former Giant booted 50.24 in 2015, including a bag of six and three hauls of five as he established himself as one of the premier young key forwards in the competition.

2014 No. 1 draft pick Paddy McCartin was given a taste of senior football last year, with the football department at Linen House Centre electing to develop him in the VFL rather than throwing him in the deep end in his first season.

McCartin played six senior games, showing signs of his glittering potential late in the year.

After spending the majority of his career in attack, Tom Lee transitioned into a key defensive role late last season at Sandringham, where he has continued to train all pre-season.

Rookie Brenton Payne is another key forward on St Kilda’s list, although he is viewed as a project player with the club set to put my time into his development in attack at the Zebras.