Marcus Windhager Biography

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon says trying to nullify star midfield opponents is a standard part of the game after Marcus Windhager drew headlines for his aggressive tactics on Nick Daicos.

"Sorry for going out and competing. I thought you were allowed to compete in AFL - I never knew playing on someone was a tactic, manning up at stoppage," Lyon said.

"Since Adam was a boy, people have played and the great midfielders get tighter attention, that's just the way it is."

Marcus Windhager is set to miss up to six weeks after injuring his hamstring the Saints' win over Sydney at Marvel Stadium.

Marcus Windhager is the NAB Rising Star nominee for round 22 of 2022 after playing an effective tagging role against Brisbane Brownlow medalist Lachie Neale whilst also collecting 21 disposals.

Windhager made his debut in the round four win against the Hawks and has been a consistent performer in his first year at the Saints, playing 17 of a possible 21 games.

Marcus Windhager makes his AFL debut for St Kilda at the MCG with 15 disposals (5 kicks and 10 handballs), 2 marks and 4 tackles in a 69-point win over Hawthorn.

St Kilda select Marcus Windhager with pick No.47 in the 2021 National Draft.

Draft Report: Coming back from an ACL injury suffered in 2019, Windhager only resumed full training in February this year after a lengthy recovery and consequently had a slower start to the season. However, the high half-forward or midfielder, who is part of St Kilda's Next Generation Academy, stepped up to every challenge that came his way as the year progressed. A former elite junior in basketball, Winghager represented Australia at the 2018 FIBA Under-15 Oceania Basketball Championships where he helped his country to a gold medal. But football has been the Haileybury College student's main priority. Windhager has explosive speed off the mark, can weave his way through traffic in the contest, has clean hands and solid foot skills. He caught the eye of recruiters with an impressive performance in a Vic Metro trial game at Werribee in June and recorded 12 disposals and a goal for Vic Metro in its Challenge Match against Vic Country in July.

St Kilda Next Generation Academy prospect Marcus Windhager could face a lengthy stint on the sidelines with a back injury that has surfaced in the lead-up to the NAB AFL Draft.

The severity of the injury is still being investigated but a layoff is expected for Windhager, who pushed himself into top-30 considerations this season playing with the Sandringham Dragons and Vic Metro.

The Saints have first access to Windhager if a bid for the powerful midfielder comes after pick 20, with the first 20 selections protected from bids on NGA players under new rules in effect this year.