Expect to see a more streamlined version of Luke Dunstan in 2016, given the hard-nosed midfielder has stripped a couple of kilograms off his frame during the summer to improve his outside game and his ability to spread.

In just over two years, the 20-year-old South Australian has carved out a reputation as a damaging inside midfielder on the rise, playing 35 games to more than find his feet at the highest level.

Midway through his third pre-season, Dunstan explained he has focused on improving his engine, and not only via more specific aerobic work and a tinkered weights program, but also with an increased attention to detail regarding what he puts in his mouth.

 “Probably the volume of running has been a big part of it, but also the diet now I’ve worked out my routine and my plan for each week, setting it up at the end of the week with a big shop and just knowing what I’m going to eat makes it a lot easier,” Dunstan told saints.com.au on Monday afternoon.

“I’ve lost two kilos – two and half kilos. Obviously I’m just trying to improve my running which has been a bit of a focus over the off-season and the pre-season.

“So I’m trying to focus on that and keeping my intensity up around the ball as well. Just making sure that when I’m tired I’m still switched on and intense around the footy.”

Last year’s Trevor Barker Award runner-up, David Armitage, pursued a similar course 12 months ago, with the results speaking for themselves. The lighter Armitage produced a career-best season, adding an ability to inflict damage on the outside to his bullocking work in close.

Now, Dunstan is looking to emulate his teammate’s transformation heading into the 2016 campaign, picking Armitage’s brains on grocery and dietary habits as he continues to shore up his routine.

“I’ve spoken to Dave about what he eats to help me with my diet. I’m not finding it too difficult now; I’ve got my routine down pat and it’s working well for me,” Dunstan said.

2015 was a bit more difficult than year one for Dunstan, with the midfielder challenged by the after effects of undergoing the first major operation of his career.

Dunstan’s impressive maiden season, where he received St Kilda’s most promising player award and finished 6^th in the Rising Star, was curtailed by a shoulder injury that required a reconstruction, causing  his season to end prematurely and restricting his 2015 pre-season.

But with that injury now firmly behind him, and invaluable lessons learned from the entire ordeal, Dunstan says he feels stronger than he did before he suffered the injury.

“It was a bit more challenging than I thought it was going to be, but I’ve overcome that now and not trying to worry about it,” Dunstan said.

“I don’t need to get it taped anymore. There’s no pain at all and I feel stronger than I was before it.”