On Thursday night, Mitch Owens stood in the centre circle and looked up – and up and up – to meet the eye of his ruck opponent.
The 191cm young St Kilda forward is accustomed to stints in the ruck when Rowan Marshall needs a break, and quite enjoys the freedom it brings.
But all 211cm of Mason Cox is a slightly different prospect.
"I didn't mind it, actually. I saw big 'Coxy' in there, but surprisingly, I thought I did all right. I thought I'd lose every single one," Owens told AFL.com.au.
"I'm not sure if I won a hitout (he didn't), but as long as he wasn't grabbing it out, I was happy.
"There's no point jumping over him, so I just tried to get body work on him early. He's so tall, so I tried to go a bit low, and I got a high free kick at one stage, so a few tactics there.
"As a forward, it can be hard, you might not see the ball for a while, and you're not involved. When you go in the ruck, you're around the ball and a little stint there is good to get your confidence up."
-
00:51
The Temper Trap rock the MCG before Spud's Game
Re-watch a snippet of The Temper Trap's performance in the lead up to the bounce for Spud's Game.
AFL
Video -
06:39
EXCLUSIVE SCENES: Step into the 'G for Spud's Game
Take a look behind the scenes of Spud's Game, as St Kilda take on Collingwood for a Round 2 blockbuster at the MCG.
AFL
Video -
01:57
Mattaes' monster major or Jack's out-of-the-box snap? Vote for your Goal of the Year nominee!
Mattaes Phillipou and Jack Higgins have been nominated for Goal of the Year! Vote now on your favourite goals from Round 2 of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.
AFL
Video -
06:29
RD 2 | All the goals v Collingwood
Re-live all the Saints' goals from our electric win over the Pies.
AFL
Video -
02:04
RD2 | The No. 2 done proud: Windhager's best from Spud's Game
Watch some of Marcus Windhager's best moments from his Spud's Game outing against Collingwood.
AFL
Video -
05:51
RD2 | Sinclair sings praises for 'hungry' young guns on return
Jack Sinclair swings past the Channel 7 desk in the aftermath of St Kilda's superb Spud's Game showing against Collingwood.
AFL
Video -
03:29
RD2 | In, out or from the carpark? Higgins on THAT brilliant goal
Jack Higgins speaks to Channel 7 post-game fresh off a four-goal bag against the Magpies.
AFL
Video -
01:45
RD2 | 'We've got to enjoy it': Steele, Ross soak up win at the 'G
Leaders Jack Steele and Seb Ross chat to Channel 7's Erin Phillips after helping the Saints get their season off to the right start.
AFL
Video -
01:27
RD2 | 'Unreal night' for Hill, Wanganeen-Milera's coming of age game
Bradley Hill and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera chat to Channel 7's Erin Phillips in the aftermath of a thrilling Thursday night.
AFL
Video -
14:03
RD2 | Mini-Match: St Kilda v Collingwood
Extended highlights of the Saints and Magpies clash in Spud's Game.
AFL
Video -
01:51
RD2 | 'It's up there!': Byrnes on brilliant Spud's Game display
Hard-running 50-gamer Ryan Byrnes wraps up a wonderful team showing which toppled Collingwood at the MCG.
AFL
Video -
02:39
RD2 | Family and footy the perfect blend for proud Ross
Seb Ross speaks post-game following a brilliant milestone outing against the Magpies.
AFL
Video -
02:44
RD2 | 'I love Spud's story': Windhager does No. 2 proud on biggest stage
St Kilda's new No. 2 Marcus Windhager debriefs after an inspiring performance in Spud's Game.
AFL
Video -
07:27
RD2 | 'We got our game going': Lyon post-game
Watch St Kilda’s press conference after round two’s match against Collingwood.
AFL
Press Conference -
02:08
RD2 | Nasiah turns messiah with electric outing
St Kilda half-back Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera goes up another level with an impressive 25 kicks and 11 marks rebounding out of defence.
AFL
Video -
06:20
RD2 | Highlights v Collingwood
Check out all the best highlights from St Kilda's Round 2 win over Collingwood in Spud's Game.
AFL
Video -
00:33
RD2 | Team song: Sing it loud for Spud!
Watch the Saints celebrate their Spud's Game win over Collingwood.
AFL
Video -
00:56
RD2 | Outrageous! Higgins' brilliant sealer toes the line, banks the win
The ‘G erupts as Jack Higgins lands this sensational effort after a tight call on the boundary.
AFL
Video -
00:38
RD2 | Monster Mattaes kick trickles through big sticks
The Saints can do no wrong as Mattaes Phillipou unleashes a massive effort that somehow bounces through.
AFL
Video -
00:38
RD2 | Henry gets off the chain and buries it again
St Kilda recruit Liam Henry scores his second goal of the evening after this fine finish on the run.
AFL
Video -
00:48
RD2 | King coming up big as Saints start to sing
Max King produces a priceless double in the third term to swing the momentum St Kilda’s way.
AFL
Video -
00:39
RD2 | Happy Hill pumped up after punishing Pies’ skipper
Bradley Hill lifts his side after taking full advantage of this errant handball from Darcy Moore.
AFL
Video -
00:45
RD2 | Saint subbed early after friendly fire
St Kilda suffers a worrying injury concern in the first term with Mason Wood stretchered off after this accidental clash with a teammate.
AFL
Video -
03:50
RD2 | AFL stars unite for moving pre-game tribute for Danny Frawley
St Kilda, Collingwood and representatives from all 18 AFL clubs unite as one ahead of Spud’s Game.
AFL
Video -
01:03
This Spud's Game, help us change the game
Honour Spud's legacy and donate for the 2 in 5 Australians who will be affected by mental health throughout their lifetime. Your donation will save a life.
AFL
Video -
04:55
Chelsea Frawley joins AFL 360 ahead of fourth annual Spud's Game
Chelsea Frawley discusses taking mental health to the big stage as St Kilda prepares to host Collingwood at the MCG. Footage courtesy of Fox Footy.
AFL
Video -
19:27
Let's Talk: Anita Frawley's 'mission in life', continuing Spud's legacy
Anita Frawley opens up to Hamish McLachlan on Danny Frawley's struggles, seeking help and the work of the Danny Frawley Centre, with thanks to AIA.
AFL
Video -
00:41
Introducing our Saints rock band, as chosen by The Temper Trap!
The Temper Trap drummer Toby Dundas assembles a St Kilda rock band based on the current list. Get to the MCG early for Spud's Game to watch The Temper Trap perform live!
AFL
Video -
01:46
Persistence personified: Double ton for Ross
Re-live the best moments of midfield hard-nut, Seb Ross, over his 199 game career.
AFL
Video -
02:03
Take a tour of the Danny Frawley Centre!
Join St Kilda AFLW player and Danny Frawley Centre Community Coordinator Serene Watson on a special tour of the state-of-the-art Danny Frawley Centre.
AFL
Video -
09:47
Lyon lauds fans' 'enormous' support, 'buttoning down' for Spud's Game
Ross Lyon addresses all the big talking points heading into Thursday's blockbuster Spud's Game at the MCG.
AFL
Press Conference -
00:56
Pete Murray throws his support behind Spud's Game
Australian music icon Pete Murray will perform at Spud's Game as part of the moving two-minute delay at the MCG on Thursday night.
AFL
Video -
00:18
LET'S MARCH INTO THE 'G: Be there for Spud's Game!
Calling all Sainters! March into the 'G with us for our Spud's Game blockbuster in Round 2! It's Saints v Pies for a Thursday night epic. Be there!
AFL
Video -
06:00
Tim Membrey tells his story
A must-watch for any football fan. Tim Membrey tells his story.
AFL
Video -
14:20
'I'll be there': Sinclair, Frawley and McStay on blockbuster Spud's Game
St Kilda's Jack Sinclair, the DFC's Chelsea Frawley and Collingwood's Dan McStay talk all things Spud's Game at today's offical launch.
AFL
Press Conference -
02:33
'A happy day': AIA throws support behind Spud's Game
AIA Chief Shared Value and Marketing Officer, Steph Phillips, speaks to the media on AIA's continued support of Spud's Game and The Danny Frawley Centre.
AFL
Press Conference -
05:27
ISN adds new chapter to Frawley legacy
Dr Tony Paolini, CEO of the Institute of Social Neuroscience (ISN) speaks to the media as the ISN Clinic at the Danny Frawley Centre opens its doors.
AFL
Press Conference -
05:43
Dilena on taking Spud's Game, mental health awareness to the big stage
Acting St Kilda CEO, Carl Dilena, speaks to the media at the launch of this year's Spud's Game, along with the Danny Frawley Centre's new partnership with the Institute of Social Neuroscience.
AFL
Press Conference
Owens may not have recorded a hitout, but his mobility around the ground while playing in the ruck was crucial to the Saints' important 15-point win over the Pies, particularly in the third term as his side piled on five goals.
He was sharp with his ball-use around the ground and a calming presence whenever he had the footy, finishing the game with 22 disposals, five marks and two clearances.
The 20-year-old only kicked one behind, but had a game-high nine score involvements.
"It was a great win. To have so many Saints fans come down on a Thursday night – it was a great game and a great crowd," Owens said.
"We had a big focus on bringing the pressure, coming forward at them and just attack to the last line of them. I think we really put them under pressure with our defence and ball-movement.
"I was a little bit nervous when they came back (in the last quarter), but I think it's pretty normal after seeing them come back in so many games last season.
Owens, now in his third AFL season, is one of a number of relatively fresh faces rejuvenating St Kilda, along with Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, recruit Liam Henry, Cooper Sharman, Liam Stocker, Darcy Wilson and Marcus Windhager.
"I focused on a bit of everything over summer. Fitness, strength, I worked really hard on my contest and marking, and just keep working on my goalkicking and general kicking," Owens said.
"The standard's definitely gone up, everyone wants to get better everyday. I think everyone's more connected and on the same page, too."
