St Kilda draftee Darcy Wilson dominates running as Max King shows good signs during pre-season training

There were positive signs at St Kilda training but the reality is that four of the Saints key players have had their pre-season delayed.

AFL. St Kilda training in hot conditions at Moorabbin. Picture: Ian Currie

Draftee Darcy Wilson continues to turn heads in his opening weeks at St Kilda, with the teenager again powering through some tough running on Friday.

In hostile weather on a steaming morning at Moorabbin, Wilson lived up to his hype as one of the fittest teens to ever walk into the club during a tiring 15-minute block of running.

The youngster, who was taking with the 18th pick in last month’s draft, led his group through most runs and closed in on the group in front of him, days after winning the club’s three kilometre time trial.

Darcy Wilson (R) slugs it out. Picture: Ian Currie

The elite runner was selected in part for his ability to break open a game with his legs and has walked into the club ready to go.

His ball skills were good enough to win praise for his decision making during a kicking drill from club legend Robert Harvey.

Still yet to turn 19, Mattaes Phillipou showed all the signs of taking another step forward in his second year at St Kilda as he was active through the midfield in a full-ground ball movement drill.

The youngest player in the league last season, Phillipou played in all 24 games and finished third in the club’s time trial this week.

Recruit Liam Henry ran strongly, while Rowan Marshall was consistently at the head of a pack of taller players.

Max King is nearing full training. Picture: Ian Currie

MAX ON TRACK

Spearhead Max King didn’t take part in any drills but was running at good pace as he slugged through an hour on the track with his left shoulder strapped up.

King had his shoulder reconstructed after St Kilda’s elimination final loss and is in line to join in drills and proper training as early as next week.

The goalkicker had latarjet surgery, which aims to prevent dislocations in the future.

Skipper Jack Steele (ankle) ran alongside King for most of the session, while Brad Crouch (knee) and Anthony Caminiti (described as the club as “hamstring tenderness”) were also doing laps.

Defender Dougal Howard was the only Saint training in a fluoro cap, indicating no contact, while Tim Membrey took part in the full session.

Membrey has been in every session so far this pre-season and came into the gym before players were due back after he pulled out of the elimination final loss to GWS in September for personal reasons.

A number of Saints were not out on the track including Dan Butler (ankle), Mason Wood (calf), Jack Higgins (back) and Jack Hayes (knee).

Higgins has been hit with back soreness in the past week but the Saints are hopeful it is only minor.

Zak Jones and Tim Membrey run laps. Picture: Ian Currie

Mitch Owens did some light running in an eye-catching pair of sunnies before heading into the gym when his teammates got into action.

The exciting youngster has been managing foot soreness but is expected to be back into full training after Christmas.

James Van Es has been in and out of drills so far during pre-season as he returns from ankle surgery.

The Saints all of its list to be ready for full training in January and hold no long term injuries at this stage.

Ross Lyon stays sun smart. Picture: Ian Currie

ALL SMILES FOR ROSS

The other off-season surgery at St Kilda was for coach Ross Lyon, who had some work done on his hip.

The coach was seen at the draft last month walking with the aid of a crutch but was moving freely on Friday and all smiles, as he shared jokes and encouragement with his players.

His AFLW counterpart, coach Nick Dal Santo, also had recent hip surgery.

Newly promoted assistant coach Brendan Goddard was in the thick of training, while Lenny Hayes was also on hand after recently stepping back into a development role.

Originally published as St Kilda draftee Darcy Wilson dominates running as Max King shows good signs during pre-season training