St Kilda midfielder Darren Minchington has put his hand up for AFL selection, following a standout performance at VFL level in Sandringham’s seven-point win over Essendon on Saturday.

Minchington troubled the Bombers with his speed and evasiveness, impressing with four goals and his pressure inside 50.

The 23-year-old drew praise from St Kilda coach Alan Richardson at half-time, who was watching in the stands, while first-year VFL coach Lindsay Gilbee is hopeful Minchington will earn another opportunity at AFL level soon.

“Darren Minchington was outstanding all day. He’s a quality player and a class above VFL level but I’d love to see him translate that form into AFL form,” Sandringham coach Lindsay Gilbee told saints.com.au.

“Richo was very complimentary of him at half-time so hopefully he gets an opportunity to show what he can do at the top level. It was just a terrific four quarter performance from him and he worked through a tag in the second half as well.”

Gilbee also lauded the efforts of St Kilda pair Nick O’Kearney (31 disposals, nine marks) and Brandon White (13 disposals, four tackles, three marks).

“Nick O’Kearney was very good for us as a midfielder switching between the wing and half-forward. We were really impressed with his running patterns and he became a very important link player in what was a different role for him,” Gilbee said.

“Brandon White’s rebound and run from half-back was really important for us. It’s something as a young player he’s still developing in, but we’re excited by his progress. He didn’t dominate possession but he was quite effective when he got his hands on the ball.”

Gilbee was pleased with the versatility of talls and particularly happy with the form of St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin, who’s pushing his case for an AFL recall after nine marks and two goals at Trevor Barker Beach Oval on Saturday.

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