Emerging St Kilda midfielder Luke Dunstan has labelled reigning Trevor Barker Award winner Jack Steven as the clubs ‘barometer’, following the star onballer's eye-catching start to 2016.

Steven has picked up where he left off last season, continuing to burn teams with his pace and poise, and this year he is getting his hands on the ball even more, averaging 28.9 possessions per game.

The dual best and fairest winner has been instrumental in St Kilda’s wins across the last fortnight, collecting 40 possessions against Essendon and 32 on the weekend against Fremantle, as well as having a big say in the Round 3 victory over Collingwood.

“He’s a barometer for us, he never stops trying. He goes out there and gives 100 per cent each week and every session,” Dunstan said on Sportsday on Monday night.

“He’d easily be our best trainer at the club and although he’s a laidback character and not much fazes him, he’s one of the most competitive blokes I’ve ever met.

“The way he goes about his footy is awesome to watch. It’s good for a young guy like me growing up and playing alongside him.”

Dunstan lauded the early performances of 2015 first-round pick Jade Gresham, who has quickly impressed the playing group with his tenacity and class, and is set to add to the Saints’ midfield depth in the years to come.

“Jade Gresham’s been one that’s been lucky enough to be one to crack into the side in the last month or so and play some real strong footy for us,” Dunstan said.

“I just love the way he doesn’t let the moment or the occasion get to him he just plays footy and that’s what I love about him.

“Some of his clips on the weekend the whole group was going ‘Wow, he’s played on there, run into about five defenders and somehow managed to get the ball out and going our way’. He’s one to look out for who’s been really strong.”