ST KILDA will use the last three weeks of the season to pit its batch of youngsters against the competition's elite to speed up their learning curve.
After a competitive effort against Hawthorn on Friday night, where the Hawks won by 46 points, the Saints finish the year with clashes against the Sydney Swans, Gold Coast and Fremantle.
Given the Swans, Dockers, Hawks and Geelong (who the Saints played only two weeks ago) occupy the top four positions on the ladder, coach Scott Watters sees the run home as a chance to familiarise his youth with the best in the league.
"We've got quite a few injuries at our club at the moment which is also exposing the kids to this terrific learning," Watters said.
"It's tough, but they'll measure off it and they can then move into a pre-season.
"We'll deliberately match-up our younger players against hardened, seasoned veterans. They can measure off that and they'll grow from it."
The Saints had six players against the Hawks who had played 10 games or less, and a number showed encouraging signs.
Debutant Darren Minchington picked up only eight disposals but kicked a goal and showed some class, while Tom Curren had 20 disposals. Brodie Murdoch kicked well, and Josh Saunders didn't look out of place.
Watters, who expected "three or four" more inexperienced players to be included next week, said he was inspired by how hard the group was working.
"I love working with this group. We're certainly not dispirited as a club. We're excited about a number of the kids and the things we see," Watters said.
Veteran small forward Stephen Milne was a late withdrawal against the Hawks with calf soreness, but is expected to be available to face the Swans next Sunday at the SCG.
Defender James Gwilt was subbed out of the game at half time as he still recovers from knee bone bruising suffered in recent weeks.
Callum Twomey is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter @AFL_CalTwomey
