Giovanni Mountain-Silbery visited the club recently, having been signed in late January as the Saints second international scholarship holder after Joe Baker-Thomas last year.
The teenager spent a week at St Kilda learning the fundamentals of the game with two of the modern era’s most precise kicks – development coaches Paul Hudson and Lindsay Gilbee.
“I’ve spent a lot of time with the recruiters and coaches,” Mountain-Silbery told SAINTS.com.au.
“They’ve just taken me through basic skills… and pretty much just seeing what it’s like at the elite level.”
Known for his speed, leap and power, Mountain-Silbery caught the eye of Saints recruiters at the AFLNZ Combine in late January where he registered 2.97 seconds for a 20m sprint.
Mountain-Silbery’s father Trent accompanied him for the week, and was equally impressed with the club’s facilities and the journey his son has embarked on.
“In the first instance, we’re just amazed to be a part of this professional environment – we’re quite taken – but it’s a good experience for both of us,” Trent Silbery said.
“We’re enjoying it.”
While St Kilda will keep tabs on the talented but raw teenager in 2015, he has decided to complete his schooling before relocating with his family to Australia.
While he’s in Auckland, Mountain Silbery will be working closely with a private coach in order to prepare him for a full-time AFL career in the near future.
“My coach goes through basic skills and he’s really good,” he said.
“We learn the game, do some skills and learn the rules as well. I’m with him twice a week.”
The Kiwi teenager, who stands at an imposing 196cm and weighs 96kgs, had the opportunity to meet New Zealand-born Saints recruit Shane Savage who was in Auckland promoting the Anzac Day clash with Brisbane in round six.
Mountain-Silbery represents his school in 100m running, high jump and long jump and originates from a rugby background, having recently completed a trial for the Rabbitohs in the NRL before being recruited by the Saints.
