St Kilda is set to unveil another debutante Arie Schoenmaker to replace the injured Dougal Howard when the club takes on Brisbane at the Gabba.
Schoenmaker - who was taken with Pick 62 in last year's draft - has been dominating the VFL as a key defender, averaging 25.8 disposals and 6.7 marks and proving his readiness to leap to the next level.
The 19-year-old has impressed since joining the club, utilising his lethal left footy and body size to mix it with the elite, whilst also boasting a handy set of wheels.
Schoenmaker was tipped to go much higher in the draft but an off-field indiscretion saw the Saints swoop on him in the 5th Round.
The Tasmanian will replace Howard, who was subbed out of the Gold Coast game in the first quarter with hamstring soreness.
St Kilda revealed the extent of the injury which has opened the door for Schoenmaker to debut.
Saints EGM of Football David Misson said the youngster has deserved his sport in the senior side.
โArie has worked hard to earn his spot and we're excited to see him take this opportunity at AFL level,โ Misson said.
Misson also commented on Howard's injury earlier in the week, who Schoenmaker is replacing.
"It's disappointing for Dougal, who has already dealt with some hamstring setbacks this year,โ Misson said in the club's injury report.
โWe're hopeful that with the bye, he should be back in action for the majority of the second half of the season.โ
Howard is likely to miss up to four weeks.
We eventually got there ๐
Watch the moment Arie Schoenmaker finds out he's making his AFL debut! pic.twitter.com/gXe2S8vO8C
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) June 12, 2024
Schoenmaker will be the fifth debutant for St Kilda, following the likes of Darcy Wilson, Lance Collard, Angus Hastie and Hugo Garcia, who were all part of the haul from the 2023 Draft.
Riley Bonner, Paddy Dow and Liam Henry were also new to the club, making for seven fresh faces to don the red, black and white, with Schoenmaker becoming the eighth.
