“It’s definitely been a dream come true – I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here at the Saints.”

A warm welcome

I feel pretty good and I’m really enjoying getting to know all the boys.

Everyone’s been really welcoming and warm - it’s a been a great environment to come into.

It’s been different coming in during the middle of the season to what it would be normally.

But I probably like it more because the spotlight’s not really on you, it’s what the team is doing and it’s more team focused.

It’s good to be straight into the swing of things.

A dream come true

It was exciting on draft night, all the family was really pumped for me to get to St Kilda, so it was a dream come true, really.

Last year I wouldn’t have thought I’d be here, but this year was a bit of an eye opener and I thought to myself ‘I actually have a chance here.’

It was a challenge not being able to play last year due to COVID, because you’re basically doing pre-season for a whole year, having to do it by yourself or with a mate and building that consistency was a bit hard.

It wasn't too bad, but obviously it's a lot better this year playing games and training with the boys.

‘The mini prospect’

I’ve been learning a lot from the big blokes like Rowan Marshall, Paddy Ryder and Paul Hunter, they’ve been big helps and it’s been good to go up against them.

Tom Highmore’s been helping me out a lot on the field and directing me where to go - nine times out of 10 I don’t know what I’m doing, so he helps me out a lot.

All the coaches – Jake Batchelor, Tony Brown, Brendon Lade - have also been a big help for me on the field and with a few techniques here and there. 

Balancing Year 12 and AFL

I get a lot of questions from teachers and students, but it’s been good to get in.

It’s alright so far – nothing’s really changed, I’m just trying to get a good ATAR and manage my studies and footy on the side.

A bright future ahead

It’s definitely been a dream come true – I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else but here at the Saints.

It was great to be picked up while still being able to stay at home with the family.

It's been pretty crazy and a bit of a whirlwind, but I'm really enjoying it here and can't wait to spend a few more years here.