St Kilda are gaining disciples and there is a new guy at the club who’s drawing young Saints fans back to the club. His name is Eli Templeton.
The Marist Regional College boy was taken at pick three in the rookie draft last year after playing with Tasmania in the 2013 under-18 Championship.
He was elevated off St Kilda’s rookie list ahead of Round 1 this season.
However, Eli’s luck ran out last week when he broke his arm early in the second quarter against the Brisbane Lions.
Templeton was expected to miss between eight and 12 weeks, according to Tasmanian newspaper The Advocate. My message to Saints fans is to remember Templeton’s flashy skills and gut running – they will play a big part of St Kilda’s future.
Templeton’s arrival at St Kilda was not a smooth one. After not being picked in the 2013 National Draft, his parents told him to consider life without football. The Tasmanian had no contact with any clubs ahead of the rookie draft, but the Saints saw his potential and took him on.
Four months later they elevated him off the rookie list and into the first team. On the field, Templeton’s hair and flair drew the viewer’s eye. He’s a running type who likes to try things outside the square.
In the Saints’ NAB Challenge game against the Western Bulldogs, Templeton kicked two goals – one out of the air and another off the ground. He isn’t an accumulator type such as a Dane Swan, but more a creative type like Jimmy Bartel. When Templeton gets the ball, things happen.
Last week’s injury against the Lions may be a major setback to Templeton, however he did fly back from New Zealand with the rest of the team. Now, having consulted a surgeon, it has become apparent that Templeton has fractured his arm above the elbow. It could rule him out for four months.
Coach Alan Richardson was dismayed by the news.
“He’s been really good for us, Eli, so it’s disappointing to lose him,” he said.
I urge St Kilda and AFL fans in general to remember this new talented player and wish him a speedy recovery. He has a big future.
GREG JSMES
Guest
Yes Tom, agree with you regarding Eli Templeton. How did he slip through to the rookie draft?
Cat
Roar Guru
EXCITING St Kilda rookie Eli Templeton could be sidelined for the rest of the season after undergoing surgery for a broken arm on Monday. Templeton was taken to hospital during the Saints' Anzac Day clash against the Brisbane Lions in Wellington and is expected to miss three to four months. "But we are confident the outstanding application that Eli has already shown to his football will see him return to play either later this year or early in 2015."
Tommo
Roar Rookie
his injury should only last for 12ish weeks. the main thing which would stop him from playing is selection
Cat
Roar Guru
That's if Eli plays again this year at all.
Tommo
Roar Rookie
Yeah Templeton showed serious talent, but now that he's injured he may struggle to return to the team. He only got put up for Fisher and by the time Eli is fully fit again, Fisher will have slotted back in. Could be a tough back-half of the season for Eli
Dylan Toune
Roar Guru
Reminds me a bit of Dahlhaus the way he plays. Really enjoyed watching him this season and hoping he can come back strong. Injuries are always a pain but it seems especially cruel when they occur just as we're given a first glimpse of a player's talent.
Cat
Roar Guru
Shame he got hurt.