Ben Paton entered Round 4 as an emergency and came out with a brilliant opportunity to secure a place in the senior side. Jarryn Geary’s late withdrawal through illness afforded the young defender the chance to impress, with Paton playing another 12 games for the year off the back of his determined efforts. A 23-disposal and six-rebound display against Melbourne marked his best performance of the season, as the No. 33 executed his role to great effect. Paton was selected by St Kilda with pick No. 46 in the 2017 National Draft.