Rowan Marshall arrived at St Kilda in December of 2016 having been selected at pick No. 10 in the 2016 Rookie Draft.

At 201cm, the then-20-year-old utility’s potential as a footballer was clear, and he became known internally as “The Prospect”.

Marshall’s impressive athletic physique no doubt contributed to the coining of his nickname, but his performance last weekend against Carlton firmly announced his footballing ability to the AFL world.

In just his eighth game of senior football, the 22-year-old played like a man with something to prove after being dropped after the Round 11 loss to West Coast.

READ: Marshall matters

Marshall exploded out of the blocks, and within the first five minutes of the game, he’d presented as the Saints’ most threatening forward option and kicked his team’s first.

Late in the first term, the big forward led hard to the 50m arc before dragging his man back to the square and going again, taking a strong overhead mark at the end of his lead.

Despite narrowly missing the ensuing set shot, the young Saint’s athleticism and willingness to demand the football drew roars of approval from the red, white and black faithful.

“The Prospect” finished the match with a game-high eight marks, a game-high four contested marks, 16 disposals, three tackles and two-goals-two, encouraging numbers from a 2-metre-plus footballer.

Marshall’s ability to play in the ruck or as a tall forward looms as a potentially potent threat for the Saints for years to come, but even he admitted he needed to perform.

“I had a couple of weeks in the VFL where I had something to prove,” he told saints.com.au.

“I had a couple of alright performances and was lucky enough to get my way back into the senior side.”

When it was suggested that he may be starting to fulfil the expectations his nickname carries with it, Marshall was quick to play down any hype after his first win.

“Yeah, I don’t know about that,” he laughed.

“I’ve still got a few more to go, but it was promising tonight.”