St Kilda’s second first-round selection from the 2024 AFL Draft, Alix Tauru, will pull on the red, white and black for the first time this week, with the 18-year-old set to make his AFL debut against Collingwood this Saturday night at Marvel Stadium.
Taken with pick No. 10, Tauru had an interrupted start to his AFL journey, spending the majority of his first pre-season in rehab with a back injury before making his VFL debut in Round 3.
The 193cm key defender entered the 2024 draft as one of the most exciting talents, earning attention after a standout finish to the National Championships for Vic Country despite not being selected in the initial squad.
Hailing from Gippsland, Tauru has impressed in his early VFL outings, averaging 11 disposals, eight kicks and five marks across his first five games to earn a well-deserved call-up to the senior side.
“The rehab group is a tough place to be at the best of times, let alone when you’ve just been drafted and you’re trying to adapt to life as an AFL footballer,” Executive General Manager of Football David Misson said.
“Alix showed maturity beyond his years throughout that process, and it’s a real credit to his character that he’s earned this opportunity. We congratulate him on the resilience, grit and work ethic he’s shown since joining our club.
“Already a well-respected member of the playing group, we’re excited to welcome the Tauru family on Saturday night and can’t wait to see Alix introduce himself to the AFL world as part of our next generation of emerging talent.”
Tauru will become the seventh Saint to debut this year, following the senior appearances of Harry Boyd, Liam O’Connell, Max Hall, Isaac Keeler, Tobie Travaglia and Hugh Boxshall. St Kilda currently sitting equal second in the league for the most debutants this season.
