STRENGTHS:

+ Aerial ability
+ Dare
+ Explosiveness
+ Versatility

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Composure
- Stoppage craft

While vocal on the academy successes of other clubs, St Kilda may benefit from one of its own in NGA graduate Kye Fincher. The Sandringham Dragons prospect made his debut for the Saints' VFL affiliate this year, impressing with 26 disposals. He'll hope to follow in the footsteps of grandfather Noel, who played 61 games between Footscray and North Melbourne.

Having cut his teeth as a rebound defender, Fincher had a four-week preseason block training with St Kilda but was otherwise enhancing his midfield craft. He was versatile throughout the year, reverting back to defence for Vic Metro but impressing in his time as a midfielder-forward in the back-end of the year. It was his VFL debut which arguably inspired the permanent change.

Fincher is a powerful athlete capable of soaring for speccies or exploding out of the contest. He takes a daring approach to rebound play with his speed and bold kicking, capable of rapidly turning defence into attack. His aerial ability translated well to spending time forward, where Fincher became a marking target and began to hit the scoreboard with frequency.

Going forward, Fincher can continue to refine his stoppage craft, although perhaps his greatest area for improvement comes in the way of decision making. Knowing when to go will see him run into pressure less often, thus allowing his kicking to be the weapon it usually is. At times, he can be forced to blaze away under pressure, but is also adept at bursting out of tight spots.

DRAFT RANGE: 30-45