Young forward Paddy McCartin will sport a new look when he takes the field against Richmond on Saturday.

Coach Alan Richardson today confirmed that McCartin had trialled wearing a helmet this week at training, and will run out in protective headgear against the Tigers.

"He'll be a different looking player in terms of the head attire," Richardson said.

"Nathan Burke, a former champion of our footy club, has spoken to our doctors and said that whilst the research doesn't suggest much, the player feels a bit more confident."

The key forward has a well-publicised history of head knocks and follows in the footsteps of Melbourne midfielder Angus Brayshaw.


Nathan Burke went on to play 323 games in the red, white and black.

Brayshaw turned to the helmet after a similar run of concussions forced him out of the game for an extended period of time.

McCartin won’t be the first Saint to wear a helmet though, with Phil Narkle’s famous tricolour number and Nathan Burke’s trusty headgear both etched into the memories of Saints fans.