West Australian draftee Hugh Boxshell confirmed to make AFL debut for St Kilda against Fremantle Dockers

St Kilda has confirmed West Australian Hugh Boxshall will make his AFL debut against Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on Friday night.

The first-year midfielder, taken with pick 45 in last year’s draft, earned his maiden call-up on the back of a solid start to the year in the VFL, averaging 23.8 disposals in his four games.

The 18-year-old is the second player taken out of WA last year to make his debut, behind West Coast forward Hamish Davis, and the second Saint from his draft class.

“Hugh has been an exciting addition to the midfield mix since his arrival at the club,” St Kilda footy boss David Misson said.

“We’ve loved seeing him excel over summer and reap the rewards of his hard work in the VFL.

“We can’t wait to watch him take his opportunity with both hands this Friday night, as we welcome the Boxshall family over from the west.”

Boxshall was a key pillar of Claremont’s colts premiership in the WAFL last year, before he bolting up the draft order after dominating at the state combine.

It comes as the Saints sweat on Mattaes Phillipou, who was set to return from injury this week.

The 20-year-old passed a fitness test on his leg issue then copped a bad corky at training on Wednesday which has put him in doubt for the Dockers’ clash.

The Saints will already be without forward Mason Wood, who was concussed in the loss to Brisbane last week, while Fremantle are set to re-gain star ruckman Luke Jackson.