Talk about making an instant impact.

After over a 500-day hiatus from the game, St Kilda's top draftee Jade McLay took to the AFLW field for the first time last Saturday in Coffs Harbour.

McLay missed majority of her draft year after succumbing to a serious shoulder injury early in the 2025 season and faced multiple groin concerns on her road to an AFLW debut.

The 19-year-old says the challenges she overcame made running out in a St Kilda guernsey particularly meaningful.

“There were so many obstacles to jump, I found it really hard to come to training at times," McLay told saints.com.au.

McLay credited Saints leaders Paige Trudgeon and Nicola Barr for helping her push through these battles, playing a significant role in guiding her return to the game she loves. 

"I spoke to Trudge and Barrsy and they really supported me," she said of her injury struggles.

"It was good to have people that I can learn from and earn their trust."

Taken at pick 26 in the 2025 National Draft, the powerful utility made an impressive debut, being awarded the ‘Sainter of the Round’ after a tidy performance.

Playing just 57 per cent time on ground, McLay registered eight disposals, three tackles, three clearances, and four inside-50s against the Swans.

“I set the tone early for how I wanted to play my football,” McLay said. 

“Every chance I get I’m going to make an impact.”

The former Calder Cannons captain says her love for football stems from three-time premiership player, Dustin Martin.

"Dustin Martin. He was my favourite player,” she said when asked who inspired her.

“He's so humble and let’s his footy do the talking.”

McLay will front up back at home this Saturday when the Saints take on North Melbourne at RSEA Park as part of Indigenous Round.