Back surgery in the pre-season all but ruled Jake Carlisle out of Season 2019, before an inspiring return in Round 14 helped stabilise the Saints’ injury-plagued defence.

The big-bodied backman acted as the last line of defence on many occasions, grappling with the game’s biggest forwards week after week.

While back issues prevented Carlisle from a Round 1 berth, the league shutdown due to COVID-19 allowed the key defender to fully recover and reclaim his post down back.

Carlisle was originally selected by Essendon with pick No. 24 in the 2009 National Draft, before requesting a trade to St Kilda at the end of 2015.

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