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A St Kilda-linked wingman is attracting attention after a bumper display, just over 18 months since he was cut from his NAB League club’s under-16s side.

A St Kilda-linked player who was cut by the Sandringham Dragons after a poor under-16s campaign and was initially left out of this year’s first Vic Metro team is suddenly attracting AFL attention after an eye-catching performance last week.

Mitch Owens, who is part of St Kilda’s Next Generation Academy, was a late call-up for last Friday’s ‘Challenge’ match between Vic Metro and Vic Country at Windy Hill and produced an “outstanding” game that didn’t go unnoticed.

The 190cm wingman and half-forward logged 29 disposals, took seven marks and kicked a goal as his development continues to spike.

“I was the under-16s coach a couple of years ago and I released him from the under-16s program at the end of under-16s,” Sandringham Dragons coach Jackson Kornberg said.

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Mitch Owens takes a mark for Vic Metro last week. Picture: Getty Images

“He had a heap of things he needed to go away and work on and improve. He’s gone away and 12 months later he’s grown 10cm, he’s changed his game completely and he’s probably been our most improved player from the start of pre-season through to now.

“Coming in as a late call-up for Vic Metro, I thought he was outstanding.”

Owens will return to school football with Mentone Grammar this weekend, but the Dragons will regain a host of other Vic Metro stars for a top-of-the-table NAB League clash against Northern Knights on Saturday – which will be live-streamed at heraldsun.com.au.

Highly-touted draft prospect Blake Howes is among those returning from Vic Metro duties and will again line up on a wing for the Dragons, a new role which has seen him thrive in recent weeks.

Midfielder-forward Marcus Windhager, rebounding defender Luke Cleary and ruckman-forward Dante Visentini are also poised to return after solid outings for Vic Metro.

However, the Dragons are uncertain when potential top-10 draft pick Josh Sinn will return after he hurt his ankle in the dying minutes of last week’s match while playing for Vic Metro.

Josh Sinn will miss this week’s match for Sandringham Dragons with an ankle injury. Picture: Michael Klein

“He’ll do a bit of coaching with us and he’s been on the track this week just buzzing around and helping out with drills,” Kornberg said.

“He won’t play this week, certainly. But we’re not sure just how long or short it will be.”

Logan Young will also be welcomed back to the Dragons this week, having spent the past three weeks playing for Sydney’s VFL side.

The 190cm midfielder is the son of prominent AFL player manager Colin Young.