IT TOOK just a few seconds for St Kilda to declare him this year's No. 1 draft pick, but Paddy McCartin's journey to such exalted status hasn't been without its character-forging challenges.

The biggest is that McCartin has Type 1 diabetes, a condition that requires him to regularly check his blood-sugar levels, including during games, and inject himself with insulin up to six times a day.

For nine years – half of McCartin's life – it has demanded a self-discipline and attention to detail that should hold the former Geelong Falcon in good stead for the AFL.

The only other known AFL players to have played the bulk of their careers with Type 1 diabetes are Richmond great Dale Weightman, ex-Adelaide defender (and now Essendon assistant coach) Nathan Bassett and ex-Bulldog and Giant Sam Reid.

"It does have its challenges," McCartin revealed in Callum Twomey's Going Places series.

"There's a lot of worse stuff out there. I mean, if I look after myself and use everything I've got to the best of my ability … in an AFL environment I feel that I'd do OK with it because it's really well balanced (with) good structures."

That McCartin is the No. 1 pick speaks volumes for how well he has managed his condition, and how highly the Saints rate him in a strong draft pool.

For much of the season it appeared the top pick would be powerful Eastern Ranges midfielder Christian Petracca.

Such is McCartin's maturity (both physical and mental) and his game sense that he's expected to make an immediate impact with the Saints.

He has been called 'Plugger', a nod to perceived similarities with legendary full-forward Tony Lockett – although McCartin quips the comparisons were made "probably because of my figure rather than my ability".

McCartin always exuded great presence and aggression in junior ranks.

Twomey learned that as an Auskicker, McCartin grabbed the ball in a ruck contest in the centre before bursting clear and kicking a goal. When he repeated the dose, the coach said he wasn't to take the ball out of the ruck. McCartin responded by simply tapping it down to himself and slotting another three goals that way.

At 193cms and 95kgs, McCartin is an imposing figure with strong thighs and broad shoulders – a physique ready made to absorb and mete out punishment, to take strong marks and crash packs. Fill the hole in front of him at your peril.

For his size, McCartin also boasts quick feet, explosive speed and impressive agility, enabling him to burst clear on the lead and also gather ground balls and snap opportunistic goals.

McCartin was an All Australian at under-18 level this year despite being hampered by foot, finger, quad and groin injuries – the latter ending his season prematurely, sidelining him for both the Falcons' finals campaign and the NAB AFL Draft Combine.

When McCartin did play he was prominent. His five TAC Cup appearances netted averages of 14 disposals, nine marks (three contested) and four goals.

He will no doubt receive a profound education from Saints skipper Nick Riewoldt.

Like Riewoldt, McCartin was born in Tasmania, but the new Saint moved to the Geelong area when he was little. The eldest of three brothers, he lives on his family's three-acre property at Batesford. 

He's a grounded, knockabout young man who places great value in his mates, and football.

"I'm a pretty relaxed person off the field, but once I cross the white line I'm pretty competitive," he says.

The competitive beast emerged during the AIS-AFL Academy's early-season practice match against Collingwood's VFL team at the MCG.

McCartin entered the game with a fractured finger but was allowed to absorb the occasion for two minutes, during which he took a strong mark and snapped a goal. He wasn't even meant to go near the ball, but he just couldn't help himself.

Neither could the Saints.

Now the real journey begins.