SAINTS YOUNG LIST FINALLY PAYS OFF

With nine players taking to RSEA Park under the age of 21, the Saints have proven that putting work into the up-and-coming stars can bring a new energy to a side.

Their Next-Generation Academy, which allows young women to begin training at an elite level from the age of 16, has been paying off, as the Saints have worked closely with many of their young recruits to blood them into the new team.

Against the Demons, after her Rising Star nomination in Round One and another commanding performance a week later, Georgia Patriokis was able to ignite her side and keep their energy high.

Patriokis collected 15 touches and laid a massive four tackles to will her side to victory.

Young character of the club, Liv Vesely, was prominent also, amassing 16 disposals and six tackles. Alongside her was Molly McDonald (seven disposals), who has secured her spot with Vesely as a reliable young duo.

Another young gun, 19-year-old Tarni White, who was given Best-On-ground votes last week when the Saints went down to Adelaide, notched-up 10 touches in her first AFLW victory.

Coach Peta Searle took the risk at the beginning of the season by selecting a younger, more inexperienced side, but the four points on the board, after only three rounds at the elite AFLW level prove that she’s got a strong side for the future.