Saints' new Nick Winmar keeps it in the family

NICK Winmar this week arrived at his new club, knowing full well that his name was already considered legendary.

It is an unusual situation for a second-round draft pick, but the second cousin of Saints great Nicky Winmar doesn't seem burdened by the pressure.

"It's something else, but no big deal. There's no reason (the pressure will be greater) I don't think," the younger Winmar said.

The 18-year-old from Claremont has only had limited dealings with his famous relative but says he is looking forward to carrying on the family tradition at St Kilda.

"I haven't seen a great deal of him. I was pretty young when he played. I haven't spoken to him (since I was drafted) so I don't know," he said.

"If I was going to end up in Melbourne this is where I wanted to be. They are a great club."

Winmar's new coach Ross Lyon was coy at a media conference the day before the draft when asked if he was interested in snapping up the teenager with pick 30.

Five days later while standing alongside his new recruit, the Saints coach admitted to keeping his cards close to his chest.

"I might have been throwing it off. Our recruiters really rated Nick and obviously we were pleased to get him," Lyon said.

"There were a number of candidates around that pick but when it got to that point there was no hesitation, it was instinctive. I watched tapes and I was genuinely enthused about getting Nick to the club."

Never one to get swept up in romantic notions, Lyon downplayed the inevitable comparisons between the teenager and the St Kilda hall of fame member.

"I have no strong connection but what I do remember is that Nicky Winmar who played here for a long period was an exceptional player," Lyon said.

"There are subtle differences with the name but there is a link with the surname and he's got an opportunity to forge his own reputation. At the end of the day it is a link by name and that is it. I think Nick is keen to forge his own identity and doesn't want to be cast in the shadow of anyone."