Saints NGA Boom

[Faulky63]

SAINTS' NEXT GENERATION ACADEMY BOOM
ST KILDA is positioned to benefit from a Next Generation Academy boom this season, with talented pair Marcus Windhager and Mitchito Owens pushing up the draft board.

The Saints have access to a number of possible prospects under the NGA program this year, including Windhager, Owens, Scott Beilby, Angus McLennan, Josiah Kyle and Jack Peris.

Windhager, a powerful midfielder who can also play in defence and the forward line, appears the Saints' leading NGA prospect and the most likely to be closest to the pick No.20 cut-off at this stage (under new NGA rules clubs can't match bids on Academy prospects within the first 20 selections).

He had 25 disposals and four clearances in a Vic Metro's recent trial game against Vic Country.


Vic Metro's Marcus Windhager breaks a tackle during the U19 trial match against Vic Country on June 27, 2021. Picture: AFL Photos
But Owens' emergence has also made things interesting for the Saints, with the half-forward/midfielder starring as a late inclusion for Vic Metro last week with 29 disposals and a goal. He has also impressed for Sandringham in the NAB League this year, seeing his stocks rise as a possible second-round pick.

Beilby is an aggressive, combative half-back, McLennan a medium defender whose season was ended early by a shoulder injury and Kyle is a clever and exciting forward who played for Vic Country in the under-19s trial game.

Peris, a quick forward, is the son of former Australian athlete Nova Peris and has been a member of St Kilda's NGA program for several years after joining as a 15-year-old.

The Saints hold draft selections No.10, 47 and 65 in the first four rounds under the current ladder order.

[Sainter_Dad]

Better have a chat to the most likeliest and get them to take the foot off the gas - lol

[DJ Higgins]

But of an exaggerated heading, one of prospects may go around pick 20 which is good for a second round pick that we can match if over 20 but not really a big story

[CURLY]

But of an exaggerated heading, one of prospects may go around pick 20 which is good for a second round pick that we can match if over 20 but not really a big story

Helps build a strong list though. Getting a kid rated at 20 for a couple of late garbage picks is a a huge leg up. Something Sydney have benefited of the most.