LOOKING to return to the top eight, veteran Brad Hill says St Kilda's improvement will come through their youngsters, with prized draftee Tobie Travaglia among those out to make his mark.

The Saints finished a disappointing 12th on the ladder under Ross Lyon this year.

They bolstered their squad with two top-10 picks in midfielder Travaglia and defender Alix Tauru, plus former Western Bulldogs midfielder Jack Macrae.

With star defender Josh Battle joining Hawthorn and the retirement of Brad Crouch among the list changes, Hill says the club needs its young talent to take a step up.

Former first-round pick Mattaes Phillipou is one such player, with the 19-year-old adding some bulk during the off-season although the midfielder/forward appears to have lost none of his pace.

"Obviously he finished off the season strong last year and you know, he's taking it into pre-season," Hill said of Phillipou, who made his debut in 2023. 

"That's where we want our growth to come from, from our younger players. Hopefully Mattaes can keep taking those steps forward.

"Obviously he's got all the traits to be a great player and I'm very excited to see what he can do next year."

Hill has also been impressed with Bendigo boy Travaglia, who will wear the No.5 jersey made famous by two-time Brownlow medallist Ian Stewart, and Crouch before his retirement.

"Obviously we've got some good draft picks and some high draft picks with Tobie and Alix and straight away they've come in and they're pretty exciting players to see," Hill said.

"Even the other day I saw him (Travaglia) training and run along the wing and having three touches and I was like, 'That's pretty awesome to see a young fellow have a confidence and backing himself in'."

No.8 pick Travaglia said he was doing his best to keep up with Hill, who won their "bronco" running drill despite being in his 14th pre-season.

"He's surprising with his running, he's very consistent with what he does and I admire that," the 18-year-old half-back said of Hill.

"With drills and stuff and running, I definitely feel like I'm keeping up with them and I'm sort of just keeping that consistent as well, which is probably the most important thing."

Set to spend some time in the midfield, Travaglia hoped to use his "run and dash" to make an impact but said he still had a lot to learn. 

"First I want to earn the respect of the players and sort of understand the structures first," he said

"After I do that I will worry about playing, whatever round that may be."

Hill said three-time All-Australian Macrae had settled in well at Moorabbin and he was looking forward to seeing what he contributed next season.

"Jack Macrae's had an outstanding career and even just last week we had a lot of the older boys away in New Zealand and just to see his leadership, teaching the younger boys, was great to see, and to see what he can do for the team," he said.