It’s 20 minutes after training on Tuesday and all but two players have left the track following a grueling two-hour session.

Two players and Billy Slater.

While some players and coaches hit the computers to review vision, Irishman Darragh Joyce and Ed Phillips are going through their usual routine.

READ: Slater making instant impact

The pair are working on getting off the mark and punching a short kick inside the corridor, when Slater joins in.

Joyce said the biggest quality he’d noticed in part-time leadership coach Billy Slater, was his willingness and enthusiasm just to be involved.

For the next 15 minutes Billy plays the role of defender, competing with each player before manning the mark to ensure they aren’t lazy with their kick inside.

“Billy just joined in and worked with us on the drill, which is pretty typical,” Joyce said.

“He is always so enthusiastic and just wants to help in whatever way he can.”

“He has a lot of time for every player on the list.”

Joyce said it one instance from early on in Billy’s time at the Saints that left the biggest impression.

“I didn’t get a chance to shake his hand and introduce myself the first two times he was in,” Joyce said.

“But the second time he was at the club he was addressing the group and used my name when he asked me a question.

“I was pretty impressed he knew who I was; he even knew the Irishman who has only played two games.”

Joyce said Slater had made it clear to the whole group that he was available for one-one-one catch-ups, an opportunity the defender grabbed with both hands.

“One of my first training sessions at the Saints, when I arrived two years ago, was down at Geelong Grammar as part of the pre-season camp,” he said.

“The Melbourne storm were training there as well and I watched Billy marshal his defensive line and couldn’t believe how vocal he was.

“He didn’t stop yelling and directing the entire session.

“When we caught up for a coffee a couple of months ago, I asked him about it and he said it was his line and he was responsible for not letting anyone through it, even at training.

“It made me think about my work within our defence and how I need to step up and take more responsibility, especially with my voice.”

Joyce played two senior games in 2018, including making his debut in Saints’ best win for the season against Melbourne at the MCG.

After strong pre-season, the 21 year-old is looking to break into Richardson’s best 22.

“We’ve got a lot of experience down back with Dylan (Roberton) and the likes of Jarryn Geary and Jake Carlisle.”

“If I get an opportunity, I’ll be doing everything I can to grab it with both hands.”