Exactly a year after enduring the toughest day of his young AFL career, Hugo Garcia put in a performance that could propel him to St Kilda stardom.
The young midfielder led the charge in the Saints' 101-point demolition of West Coast last Sunday, gathering 32 disposals, nine clearances, and slotting two goals.
Twelve months earlier, Garcia had been brutally subbed out of the game midway through the second quarter by coach Ross Lyon as the Saints struggled to handle reigning premiers Brisbane.
Showing his resilience, the 20-year-old responded by keeping his spot the following week and earn a Rising Star nomination in a win over Fremantle.
Garcia believes his development has been fast-tracked by playing with superstar Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, and the addition of ex-Gold Coast midfielder Sam Flanders.
St Kilda legend Robert Harvey is also his midfield coach, while fellow Saints royalty Lenny Hayes and Brendon Goddard are also around the club.
"The support around me, having 'Nas', Flanders and (Marcus) Windhager in the midfield for me has been really good," the left-footer told AAP.
"Then obviously my coach, Robert Harvey, he's been enormous for me, which helps me do my thing.
"When I first came to the club, it was more Lenny Hayes developing me as a player, and then obviously he transitioned to a different role at the club.
"Two stars of the game, and to have them teach me how to play the game is just awesome and I can't thank them enough."
Lyon praised Garcia's development following his outing against the Eagles.
Garcia is one midfielder currently keeping veteran Jack Macrae out of the Saints' best team.
"It takes time, doesn't it?," Lyon said.
"He works really hard and he got reward for effort; lots of numbers through there today, and he certainly played his part.
"Hopefully it fuels his dedication and his passion for AFL football."
St Kilda will be out to square their season ledger at 4-4 when they face struggling Carlton at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.
