St Kilda rookie Rowan Marshall continued his strong VFL form in Sandringham’s stirring 8-point win over Port Melbourne on Saturday, pushing his case towards an AFL debut.

Marshall, 21, was elevated to the senior list in the lead-up to Saturday’s win at North Port Oval where the versatile big man finished with two goals, 19 disposals, six marks and 12 hit outs.

Recruited from VFL club North Ballarat in the 2016 Rookie Draft, the 201cm key position prospect has impressed at Sandringham and won praise from VFL coach Lindsay Gilbee.

“Rowan Marshall was outstanding all day and it's no surprise to us that he got elevated off the rookie list this week,” Gilbee told saints.com.au.

“He’s too good a player for this level some expect he’ll get his AFL opportunity in the coming weeks.

"He’s a really valuable player because of his versatility to play at either end of the ground well and pinch hit in the ruck.”

Gilbee also had high praise for midfielder Luke Dunstan, who finished with 28 disposals, nine tackles and seven inside 50s against the battle-hardened Borough midfield.

“Luke Dunstan was excellent all day for us, he was tough but what pleased us most was the way he used the football to our advantage more often than not," Gilbee said.

“He’s a quality player too good for VFL football that belongs in the AFL system and his leadership off the ground in-between the breaks was really significant for the young group that we’ve got."