St Kilda small forward Jack Lonie is again pressing for AFL selection in Alan Richardson’s team following another best-on-ground performance in the VFL on Sunday.

Drafted as a specialist small forward back in 2014, the 21-year-old has stepped into a permanent midfield role at Sandringham this season impressing with an average of 25 disposals and six tackles in his eight VFL games.

Lonie picked up 33 disposals and two goals in the heavy loss to Richmond at Punt Road.

“Jack Lonie was very good all day, cracked in and hit the contest hard across four quarters,” VFL coach Lindsay Gilbee told saints.com.au.

“From a team perspective the consistency of effort wasn’t there enough but Jack (Lonie) played his heart out to lead from the front and he’s brought that to our side this year.”

Ruckman-turned-defender Lewis Pierce also drew praise from the coach, who held Richmond key forward Ben Griffiths goal less.

“The last few weeks we’ve played Lewis Pierce as a key back and he hasn’t looked out of place down there," Gilbee said.

“Its terrific for his development and grows his versatility as a player striving for AFL football, but we’ve been really pleased with how he’s taken that new role head on and performed well.”