For the second year running, the Saints took a punt on an unknown quantity, picking up the young forward - who booted 70 goals for Tyabb in the Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League in 2005 - but who was unavailable to play in the TAC Cup U18s competition.
Twelve months earlier St Kilda gambled on James Gwilt, a youngster of Papua New Guinean descent drafted from suburban club Noble Park. In just his second match Gwilt played a crucial role in the Saints' narrow qualifying final victory over Adelaide.
Whether or not Sweeney has any impact at AFL level in 2006 remains to be seen, but the Saints - particularly recruiting manager John Beveridge - have shown a preparedness to think laterally with recruiting.
Sweeney was not a complete unknown though. He was unable to train and play for the Dandenong Stingrays because of transport difficulties, but the high-leaping forward did impress for Victorian Country in the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships.
"I couldn't get to the training sessions and the games all the time. Both my parents work so it was pretty hard to get there," Sweeney explained to afl.com.au about his circumstances in 2005, noting that he'd turned 18 on Christmas Day and was now able to drive himself to Moorabbin.
Being drafted to St Kilda's senior list came out of the blue and Sweeney recalls draft day with obvious pleasure.
"John Beveridge told me that he'd like to pick me up as a rookie. Then on the draft day he rang me up - just after the draft - and said 'we picked you at No.71 for St Kilda'," Sweeney said.
"I was speechless at the time and didn't know what to say to him. I was actually at my girlfriend's place just watching the cricket."
Sweeney says there have been no major surprises about the pre-season at Moorabbin apart from subtle differences on the training track.
"I thought it was going to be a lot harder than this, but it really isn't," said the 186cm forward.
"The training is short and quick, but the intensity is very high. I'm probably not used to that down where I play footy, but other than that, nothing really."
After playing senior footy for Tyabb for one-and-a-half seasons and then being exposed to the AFL system, Sweeney hasn't set any major goals for 2006.
"Just to get really fit at the moment and just do the best that I can do - hopefully get a few senior games this year which will be great - if not, strive for next year."
So, Justin, what can Saints fans expect from your style of play?
"A few of my mates reckon I play like Russell Robertson. If I could play like him it would be fantastic. I've got a bit of a leap."
