Geelong Falcons talent manager Michael Turner has urged St Kilda to give Paddy McCartin a sustained run in the senior side, saying that top picks aren't drafted to play in the reserves.
The 21-year old who came through the Falcons system has played just five games at senior level in 2017, but has booted 18 goals in five games at in the VFL.
Turner said he believes leaving players too long at a lower level can have a detrimental effect on their overall development.
“They need to play him number one,” Geelong's Team of the Century wingman told SEN Breakfast.
“I think it’s alright playing a couple of VFL games, but you draft your number one draft picks to play in the AFL.
“I’ve always got a theory if you play players too long in the VFL they become VFL players.
“I’m not trying to tell St Kilda to suck eggs because they know it better than I do, but I think it’s like Tommy Hawkins and (Jonathon) Patton and all the big key forwards – we’re not making excuses for them – but they do take time.”
Turner said McCartin has had a desperately unlucky run with injury and illness and feels if the Saints do not give him a go, another club might.
“In Paddy’s case he’s had to deal with diabetes, he’s had a broken collarbone, he’s had various injuries and in certain times during games… he’s certainly shown the attributes to be a key forward in the AFL.
“He just needs a little bit of luck with injury and illness and St Kilda need to play him, because if they don’t someone else might.”
He highlighted the case of Geelong spearhead Tom Hawkins who took a number of years to develop, and advised the Saints to be bold to reap the rewards.
“Tom Hawkins took his 3-4 years and I think what people have got to remember is when players are drafted the midfielders can make an impact more quickly,” Turner said.
“They’ve got to build up their strength and you’ve got to remember they’re playing on very mature AFL players who are very strong in the key positions.
“You’ve just got to play them, show a bit of courage I suppose, particularly when sides are under pressure and you’ll reap the rewards in the end.”