Max Heath: "I've loved every second of it."

By Jonty Ralphsmith

Newly drafted Max Heath is eagerly awaiting his time with St Kilda after being selected with pick seven in the 2021 Mid-Season Rookie Draft on Wednesday night. 

The 19-year-old ruckman was given no indication from the Saints of their intentions, so he was amazed when his name flashed-up on the family TV screen. 

“I was a bit surprised which was good so had a great night on Wednesday,” Heath said. 

“It’s a weird feeling that I’m at the Saints. I’m really keen to start training with them. 

“It was pretty surreal getting all these Saints players reach out to me.  

“It was almost everyone, but Jack Steele and Paddy Ryder where two I was shocked by, so I’m really excited to join these boys because it seems like they have a really good culture.” 

St Kilda are also based at RSEA Park, with the Dragons using many of the same facilities, but Saints’ national recruiting manager Chris Liberatore gave Heath a tour of the "super impressive" parts he had yet to see, after his online school day on Thursday.

Ankle surgery inhibited his preseason, but Heath still made his Sandringham debut in round one and played a role in the team’s undefeated first three games, before demonstrating his aggression in five games for Xavier College.

“I’ve loved every second of it!” Heath said of his time at the Dragons. 

“Playing the first game was a dream come true and I’ve loved every game. 

“To ‘Jacko’ (Senior coach Jackson Kornberg), ‘Moods’ (midfield coach Nick Moodie), ‘Bourkey’ (Former Dragons coach Josh Bourke) and the line coaches, I can’t thank them enough for helping my development, for showing faith and sticking with me for my five plus years at the Dragons. 

“I’m glad I can repay the faith.”