While on-field success for St Kilda was limited throughout the year, Hunter Clark delivered plenty of positivity for the red, white and black faithful in his debut season.

Taken at pick No.7 in the 2017 National Draft, the 19-year-old Dandenong Stingrays star proved a worthwhile addition to the St Kilda line-up throughout the year, finishing Season 2018 with 15 games under his belt.

Despite missing the final three matches, Clark was commendable throughout the middle portion of the year, improving with each performance and showing his importance to the Saints’ future.

READ: Clark's class recognised

Clark ended the year with an average of 15 touches and just under three tackles a game, developing his midfield craft alongside the likes of Trevor Barker Award-winner and runner-up, Jack Steven and Seb Ross.

The Mt Martha boy also showcased his versatility at such a young age, spending time at both the attacking and defensive ends.

After piecing together a solid 12-disposal debut with a goal to boot against Brisbane, Clark was omitted following the Saints’ underwhelming efforts against North Melbourne in Round 2.


Clark is saturated by teammates after his debut win in Round 1.

But the youngster returned in fine form in Round 7, cementing a spot in the St Kilda side for the next 11 games, inclusive of three 20+ disposal efforts against top-tier sides Melbourne, Collingwood and Richmond.

Clark’s breakout efforts were recognised by the AFL following the Saints’ stirring two-point victory over Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium, in which he received the Round 13 NAB Rising Star nomination.

Finishing with 17 disposals, six tackles and five intercept possessions, Clark was pivotal across half-back, filling the void left by skipper Jarryn Geary and Jimmy Webster and helping keep the Suns scoreless in the final term.

WATCH: Hunter Clark 2018 Highlights

Director of Coaching Danny Sexton praised the midfielder’s abilities and potential to become a reliable contributor in the years to come.

“Hunter looks like he’s going to be a natural midfielder – he has plenty of class and plenty of time with the ball,” Sexton said.

“If you play 15 games in your first year, you’ve done pretty well.”

The versatility shown by the 19-year-old emerged as an invaluable trait in his debut season, with his ability to piece together solid performances across all areas of the ground crucial given the Saints’ revolving door of injuries.

“[Hunter] was probably thrown around a little bit by circumstance more than anything else, but he showed that he could perform in each area of the field,” Sexton said.

“He showed real flexibility, and he showed that he’s going to have a future.”

Clark enjoyed impressive outings against Collingwood (21 disposals), West Coast (11 contested possessions, six tackles) and Melbourne (20 disposals, four inside 50s), with each highlighting his emerging skills in the midfield.

He was often influential in the second half, but having an immediate impact on the contest will be a strong focus heading into 2019 as he continues to develop his craft.

“His best footy was later in games when probably the sting had gone out a little bit, but [he’s still] very clean with the ball, very good in contests and a good tackler,” Sexton said.

If the glimpses we saw in 2018 are anything to go by, Hunter Clark showed he’ll be one to watch.