Max Heath’s five-year journey from raw recruit to senior footballer will culminate this Sunday, as the towering 204-cm ruckman prepares to make his AFL debut for St Kilda against the Swans at Marvel Stadium.
Affectionately known as ‘Moose’, Heath was drafted from the Sandringham Dragons during the 2021 mid-season draft, balancing his footy dreams while finishing Year 12 at Xavier College.
Now 22, he’s developed into one of the VFL’s standout rucks and finally gets his senior shot in Round 19.
Young ruck rewarded for years of graft and patience
Heath has been a consistent force for the Sandringham Zebras, including a standout performance last weekend with 25 disposals, 25 hitouts, five clearances and a goal.
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His path to AFL level has been shaped by years of mentorship from the likes of Paddy Ryder, Tom Campbell, and Rowan Marshall.
“We congratulate Max on his journey and earning this well-deserved opportunity,” said St Kilda’s EGM of Football David Misson, in a club statement. “Never an easy position to find yourself in as a developing ruck on an AFL list, Max has been a consistent and well-loved member of the squad over his time at the Saints.”
Heath becomes St Kilda’s eighth debutant of 2025 and will don the red, white and black on what promises to be a memorable afternoon for the club.