While Nick Riewoldt dominated, his team-mate Rhys Stanley gave a potential glimpse of St Kilda's AFL future in the NAB Cup win over Collingwood.

The 19-year-old only had five possessions, but he took two superb contested marks and kicked a goal.

The Saints were missing nine players from last year's grand final side, meaning their youngsters had to step up.

As Riewoldt starred with nine marks and four goals, Stanley and midfielder Alistair Smith were particularly impressive among the less-experienced Saints.

St Kilda recruited the pair through the 2008 national draft and they are yet to make their senior debuts.

Smith is surely on the verge of an AFL debut after picking up 18 possessions against the Magpies.

"We've known he was a good ball winner and strong at the contest, that's why he was drafted," said Saints assistant coach Leigh Tudor.

"Hopefully he'll be there-abouts for the year."

Stanley had a strong basketball background before he decided to concentrate on football.

The 200cm player clearly has the physical ability to succeed in the AFL and Tudor said Stanley also has the right attitude.

"He's pretty raw and he's really athletic ... he's got a lot of work to do with just footy smarts," Tudor said.

"He's outstanding at terrorising the coaches and trying to learn.

"So he's trying to do it in a hurry, which is a good sign.

"He did some nice things (against Collingwood), so we look for him to keep improving and keep the older guys on their toes."

Jack Steven suffered a mid-foot sprain against the Magpies.

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