Marcus Windhager will make his debut this weekend against Hawthorn, becoming the fifth new Saint to feature in 2022.
A graduate of the club’s PURA Next Generation Academy, Windhager shot himself into selection contention off the back of a standout VFL outing last Sunday, chalking up 31 disposals, 11 clearances and two goals in unfavourable conditions.
Windhager, of the Ben Lomond Tribe which is Plangermaireener Nation in Tasmania, was told the news of his debut by senior coach Brett Ratten at this afternoon’s team meeting.
"I know you're going to do yourself proud, us proud and your family proud."
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) April 8, 2022
Watch as Brett Ratten tells Marcus Windhager he'll be debuting this weekend against the Hawks.
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"When you've got players who are working really hard and get into the team... this is the bit that's pretty enjoyable as a coach," Ratten told the group this afternoon.
"Marcus, you're going to play your first game for the Saints which is unreal. For you to get this opportunity and work really hard and build some momentum, it's really pleasing to see.
While initially tipped to feature inside the top-20 selections from the 2021 National Draft, a back injury last November bumped the midfielder down the order to the Saints’ advantage. Windhager was eventually taken with pick No. 47, with St Kilda matching a bid from Geelong to secure the youngster’s services.
He previously represented Australia in the 2018 FIBA Under-15 Oceania Basketball Championships and was an AMC Next Generation Academy Indigenous Scholarship holder.
Windhager follows draftmate and best friend Mitch Owens, as well as Jack Hayes, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and club debutant Jarrod Lienert in making their first appearances for the club during 2022.
