St Kilda veteran Leigh Montagna has praised the rise of budding star Seb Ross, amid a breakout season by the young midfielder after an interrupted 2015.

After injury ravaged his 2015 campaign, Ross has enjoyed a breakout season this year, establishing himself as a vital cog in St Kilda’s engine room.

Ross, 23, is averaging 26.7 possessions from 16 games in 2016, acquiring the same amount of leather as Jordan Lewis, Jack Viney and Bryce Gibbs to be ranked 30th in the AFL for average possessions.

Of the crop who have won more ball than Ross this season, none have made a more dramatic rise in terms of possessions, with his rise of 8.5 more per game than his previous best average eclipsing Lachie Hunter (+7.9) and Zach Merrett (+6.4).

Montagna believes an increased level of confidence has played a significant role in Ross’ improvement this season.

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“He’s played sensational footy this year, he’s really spiked,” Montagna told Triple M’s The Hot Breakfast on Thursday morning.

“He’s probably one whose had the ability for the last few years but just lacked a bit of confidence. We always encourage him to just go and get the ball.

“Early days he started his career when Lenny [Hayes] was still playing and it was hard for him and as he got time in the midfield he had the ability, he just didn’t have the confidence to be the man in there, to go for it.

“This year he’s taken the bull by the horns and just run with it, he’s been sensational.

“He’s another one of these young leaders that will drive this group forward for a long time.”

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