AT THE mid-way point of season 2013, SAINTS.com.au has identified the 10 most impressive St Kilda players so far this year.

The 10 players named may not be leading all the statistical categories and may not even be in the top 10 of our best and fairest voting.

Some are young players in their first couple of seasons, while others are established stars. But all have been impressive contributors in what has been a challenging start to 2013.

Nick Riewoldt (11 games, 17.5 disposal average, 30 goals) The long-time captain of the Saints has been enjoying a stellar year up forward for his team. With 30 goals to his name and leading the league in marks and contested marks, Riewoldt is on track to win his sixth club best and fairest and a fifth All-Australian selection. Riewoldt is due to play his 250th match against Melbourne next week and doesn't look like slowing up his outstanding career. Scott Watters says: "Nick is committed to the next group of players that are coming through but he's also maintaining a really high standard of performance, which is the best type of leadership. He's working with our younger players, works with Tom Lee, with Spencer White and is continuing to bring them on. I think he has been outstanding as a captain, on and off the field."
Leigh Montagna (10 games, 26.5 disposal average) After missing the round one clash against Gold Coast through suspension, Montagna has resumed his place as a vital part of the St Kilda midfield. His consistency and penetration in what has been a highly-scrutinised midfield has been vital. Scott Watters says: "Showing great leadership on and off the field. He provides great direction during our sessions and has maintained a high level of consistency both as an outside and inside midfielder."
David Armitage (10 games, 20.1 disposal average, 5.4 tackle average) Armitage's rise in the St Kilda midfield has continued this season with some outstanding performances. His best performance was the round three win over Greater Western Sydney where he gathered 31 touches and kicked a personal best four goals. Armitage's defensive intensity was highlighted in the recent loss to West Coast where he had 12 tackles. Scott Watters says: "Armo is continuing to strive to improve his level of consistency. He has had some outstanding games so far this year where his tackling and contested ball work has been a feature."
Jack Steven (11 games, 25 disposal average, 5 clearance average) Like Armitage, Steven has continued to improve his standing as an important midfielder. With Brendon Goddard gone, Lenny Hayes missing games through injury and Nick Dal Santo used increasingly across half-back, Steven has become one of the most vital midfielders in the St Kilda outfit. A 39-possession game in the loss to Carlton was his best game so far. Scott Watters says: "This has been a breakout season for Jack. He had an outstanding pre-season and is maturing as a footballer. He is reaping the rewards of a very professional pre-season."
Dylan Roberton (11 games, 18.18 disposal average, 4.18 rebound average) Roberton has proven to be the best so far of St Kilda's off-season recruits. After crossing from Fremantle as a free agent, he has slotted in to a rebounding role off half-back and shown composure and poise in heavy traffic. Scott Watters says: "At 21 years of age and 194cm, Dylan has been a standout recruit. He has played multiple roles, provided some defensive stability and been an offensive threat as well."
Nathan Wright (6 games, 12.3 disposal average) St Kilda's first pick at last year's NAB AFL Draft, Wright has shown plenty of promise since debuting against GWS in round three. While he has missed the odd game through injury, Wright has already worked his way into St Kilda's best 22 through his dogged determination and competitive instinct. Scott Watters says: "He has the capacity as a young player to run and carry while creating offence out of the back half which has been a strong feature of his game. He is a fierce competitor."
Jarryn Geary (11 games, 15.72 disposal average) After he was elevated to the club's leadership group for 2013, Geary has continued to lead by example with a relentless approach to the contest. Traditionally used as a defender, Geary has more recently been trialled in the midfield where his aerobic strength has served him well in shutdown roles on key opposition on-ballers. Scott Watters says: "Jarryn is continuing to build on a terrific year in 2012. His roles have expanded with key midfield defensive roles this year. He has beaten some good players like Steele Sidebottom and Marc Murphy."
Jack Newnes (9 games, 13.2 disposal average) An impressive mid-sized player who has built on his seven games last year, Newnes has shown a propensity for the contest. His best game for the year was a 25-possession performance against Adelaide in round eight. Scott Watters says: "Jack is developing well and we are starting to see improved capacity to sustain his performance. He is a really strong tackler and is becoming a penetrating player."
Rhys Stanley (11 games, 12 disposal average) In the most durable year of his career so far, Stanley has recovered from a pre-season knee injury to play every game so far. He has been used in the unfamiliar role of a tall defender with some promising signs that he is learning the role, while also lending support up forward and in the ruck. Scott Watters says: "It is terrific that our medical staff and coaching staff have been able to provide Rhys with some continuity in games. It has been a steep learning curve this year playing in some key defensive roles and key offensive roles. Rhys is continuing to develop his understanding of the game."
Seb Ross (8 games, 15 disposal average) The left-footed midfielder has been one of the most impressive young Saints this season and has been unlucky not to receive a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination yet. He has improved every week in the midfield and shapes as a long-term prospect in the middle. Scott Watters says: "Seb has outstanding composure for a young player. He has shown real poise in certain stages of games. We are excited to see where Seb Ross will be after 50-70 games."