The last time Hugo Garcia was selected as St Kilda's substitute, he was unsighted for the whole game. Literally.

Remaining on the interchange bench for the entirety of his previous senior appearance against Essendon in Round 20, the young Saint went through the match unused — rare given the changes to the rule in recent years — as the red, white and black rollicked its way to a 53-point win at Marvel Stadium.

This time around against Geelong three weeks later, as limited as his time was when finally activated in the final term in place of Bradley Hill (back), the tenacious Garcia packed more than a fair punch in his 19 minutes of game-time.

Although the stats sheet only showed six disposals, four score involvements and one tackle by the final siren, it was the impact of those which spoke far greater volumes in the greater context of the prime-time affair.

Within seconds, Garcia had two touches under his belt. A quick-fire pick-up and handball out at ground level under duress was quickly followed by a pinpoint left-foot pass which hit Jack Higgins square on the chest; his shot, although missing, eventually culminating in a goal to Cooper Sharman moments later.

His third touch was just as clinical amid congestion as his quick hands initiated a chain which was capped off by Higgins to extend the lead to two goals, while his fourth — again scooped off the deck — led to Dan Butler sending the faithful into raptures after his crafty snap sailed through the sticks. 

Best was arguably saved until last however. A huge rundown tackle on Max Holmes with four minutes remaining all but snuffed out any hope of a Cats’ late resurgence. Only seconds prior, the plucky youngster had been on the hunt for a goal inside forward-50 before laying his lunging tackle along the wing off the back of a gut-busting run.

Even more impressive was the fact that he followed up Saturday's cameo with a full performance for Sandringham the following afternoon, amassing 20 disposals, 10 tackles and five clearances in another lively display.

While the 19-year-old will be eager to entrench himself as a core part of the Saints’ line-up in the seasons to come, his impact in matches as the substitute, Essendon withstanding, have been pronounced.

Garcia’s fiery debut over GWS came packed with 11 disposals, seven tackles and three clearances after coming on in the third term, while his next outing starting as the 23rd man against West Coast in Round 19 was rounded out with five touches and three tackles from six centre bounce attendances.

Fresh legs certainly help in the dying stages of a hotly contested, physical and high-octane battle in front of a heaving Marvel Stadium. But don’t discount Garcia’s drive to will his side over the line late.