A standout season from Jade Gresham has the star forward in Trevor Barker Award calculations in just his third year at the elite level.

The No. 4 slotted 35 goals to lead the Saints’ tally, and late in the season made the midfield move he has been earmarked for since arriving at the club.

An elite midfielder in his junior years, the ex-Northern Knights captain was selected for his ball-winning capacity and supreme skills at pick No. 18 in the 2015 National Draft.

READ: Top 5: Jade Gresham

Gresham placed 10th in the competition for goal assists in 2018, and he’s already shown a poise and intuitive feel for the game in the position he was drafted to play.

In the last six games of 2018, Gresham averaged 21.5 disposals, four inside-50s, 3.5 clearances and 427 metres gained, the latter placing him in elite midfield company.

His growth was most evident in a Round 19 meeting with the Giants, amassing 25 touches, six inside-50s, two goals and a career-high 627 metres gained.

But the 21-year-old’s most important performance came before his shift into the engine room, with the club desperately needing a victory on the Gold Coast in Round 13.

The Saints trailed the Suns by as many as 39 points, but Gresham notched up 23 disposals and 11 score involvements to keep his side in the game before curling home the winner with a minute to go.

Gresham’s strength in versatility leaves coach Alan Richardson with the best possible conundrum as to where to deploy his most creative asset.

WATCH: Gresh's Top 5

Assistant coach Ben McGlynn suggested Gresham’s most impactful football for the Saints in the future will be played on the ball.

“We want him to become an elite midfielder who can play forward,” he told saints.com.au.

“The main focus is for him to get his running ability to the next level to be able to play more midfield.”

McGlynn highlighted the hardened edge to Gresham’s game that has endeared him to the Saints faithful and smoothed his midfield transition.

POLL: Gresh's Best

“He’s a very good contested ball player and wins his one-on-ones, and obviously he’s a fan favourite.”

In a time of significant growth and development for the club, Gresham looms as the next superstar Saint, and he could announce it to the competition with his first Trevor Barker Award.

Gresham placed ninth in last year’s count, polling 81 votes in just his second season.