PADDY McCartin is acutely aware of external expectations. He understands, that as a number one draft pick, the pressure on him far outweighs that of his fellow 2015 draftees.  

In keeping with his laid back nature, he is unperturbed by his lofty standing in last November’s AFL Draft.

“Obviously there is pride where you want to perform and do your best for the team, but in terms of thinking ‘I have to perform because I’m an earlier pick,’ there hasn’t been that at all,” McCartin told SAINTS.com.au.

“It’s true that I was taken early on but once you get to the club, you just become part of the group. There is no real judgement or anything like that… it’s just a number.

“You come in, work as hard as you can, and try to earn a bit of respect.”

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McCartin’s six AFL games have come in two blocks this season. He debuted against Collingwood in round three in unusual circumstances before playing in St Kilda’s Anzac Day game against Carlton in Wellington the following week.

Three months out of the senior team followed, with Tim Membrey, Tom Hickey, Nick Riewoldt and Josh Bruce forming a potent Saints forward-line while McCartin continued to develop his craft in the VFL.

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A string of good performances in late June and into early July led to a recall for Maddie’s Match in round 16.

It was in this game that the 19-year-old appeared more ready for the rigours of AFL football. It was also his first senior match alongside Nick Riewoldt.

McCartin’s form continued to build against Melbourne the following week, notching nine marks in his first win for the club.

“I think competition for spots is really healthy,” he said.

“All the good sides have it. It makes you really hungry and when you get your opportunity you have to grab it with both hands and make sure you perform to the best of your ability.”

When reflecting on his nine months as a Saint, McCartin was effusive in his praise of the club and its environment.

“There are a lot of words that come to mind but the main one would be unreal,” he said.

“I’ve had an unreal time so far. I’ve met some fantastic blokes and we’ve obviously had a couple of wins as well. I’ve loved it.

“They are a fantastic group of boys."

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