St Kilda midfielder Marcus Windhager will become the club's first Next Generation Academy graduate to reach the 50-game milestone when he runs out in Friday's clash against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.
The Pyemmairre man has emerged as one of the best taggers in the competition and is coming off an outstanding fortnight, having successfully negated West Coast young gun Harley Reid and star Gold Coast midfielder Touk Miller.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon praised his player's defensive efforts after last weekend's thrilling three-point win over the Suns.
"I think it (tagging) gives Windhager a real focus and then he still gets the same amount of ball he would get if he was just running around," Lyon said.
"He's very disciplined with it, he certainly plays within the rules and it's a good role for him.
"In the end – like (former Collingwood player Paul) Licuria – they do it, then they become really good themselves, it's a good way to learn, so we think it's a win-win."
The 21-year-old has been an important cog in the Saints' midfield since debuting for the club early in the 2022 season.
In just his 14th game, Windhager sensationally restricted West Coast midfielder Tim Kelly to just four disposals in what was easily one of the best tagging performances of the season.
At the beginning of the season, Windhager was given the honour of receiving the number-two jumper, made famous by club legend Danny Frawley.
He has done the number proud, increasing his disposal average from 16 touches per game in 2023 to just over 20 this season, all the while epitomising Frawley's hard-working and fierce nature out on the ground.
Windhager is expected to perform a defensive job on dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale in the Saints' match against the Lions.
Neale is coming off a brilliant performances last weekend against the Western Bulldogs, gathering 38 disposals, ten clearances, and kicking two goals in the 43-point win.
The young Saint will certainly be up for the task, having received a Rising Star nomination for restricting Neale to just 16 disposals in a game late in the 2022 season.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said that he is prepared for his star midfielder to cop heavy attention from Windhager.
"We expect someone like Windhager will come to him," Fagan said.
"He did a good job last week on Touk Miller, albeit Touk is a little bit of a different player to Lachie.
"No doubt there'll be some planning around Lachie or maybe one of our other midfielders."
