At a glance:

  • Georgia Patrikios is a hot favourite for St Kilda's maiden best-and-fairest.
  • The silky midfielder racked up the most disposals, clearances and metres gained of any Saint.
  • The 18-year-old picked up a Rising Star nomination in Round 1 and is in the running to take out the award.

From the moment she set foot on the hallowed turf at RSEA Park, Georgia Patrikios caught the eye.

The historic day for St Kilda was punctuated by the smooth mover's class and composure, and she didn't slow down.

A succession of influential performances culminated in a debut season to remember for the Saints’ first draft pick, who could have a string of league-wide accolades coming her way on top of the club’s revered individual honour.

The silky midfielder’s ball-winning capabilities, explosive pace and wicked sidestep floored both opposition and spectators alike as she bolstered her standing.

By Round 1, the faithful had earmarked the young Saint as one of the competition’s most promising talents, with the belief never faltering for the remainder of the season.

Backed by a legion of fans and the passionate and seemingly endless Patrikios family, the silky on-baller impressed time and time again.

The 18-year-old made the perfect impression in Round 1, racking up a team-high 18 disposals and five tackles to secure a nomination for the NAB Rising Star.

By the final siren, Georgia Patrikios badges had almost sold out.

Georgia Patrikios leads the side out to battle. Photo: Corey Scicluna.

Her output never wavered for the next five games, with her starring efforts in the midfield playing a major role in many of the Saints’ forward assaults.

Patrikios topped the Saints’ total disposals, metres gained and clearances, with her competitive spirit shining through on every occasion.

Strong on the inside and able to break free on the outside, the versatile mid served as the cornerstone of the red, white and black’s midfield.

And while the jump from the NAB League to the AFLW is enough to rattle even the most composed talents, Patrikios rarely looked flustered.

The former Calder Cannon played to her natural instinct, tackling everything head-on with incredible intensity and backing herself in contest after contest.

There’s a will to win bubbling away inside her.

And that fighting spirit may just see her take out St Kilda’s maiden best-and-fairest.

Georgia Patrikios
Season averages: 16 disposals, four tackles, two marks
Best game: Round 1 v Western Bulldogs, 18 disposals, five tackles
Key stat: First for St Kilda’s total disposals, metres gained, clearances