Sam Dunell Biography

St Kilda delist forward Trent Dennis-Lane and midfielder Sam Dunell as it prepares for what shapes as an active trade and draft period.

St Kilda's Sam Dunell says turned his back on cricket to chance his arm in the AFL after finally growing physically.

"There was no doubt I was nowhere near ready and I always loved playing footy and continued to play but my cricket was more advanced than my footy through school," Dunell said.

"I was playing in some rep sides and state sides through my junior career cricket career. It was only from when I got out of school that I started to grow and my body started to mature."

Sam Dunell makes his AFL debut for St Kilda at the Gabba with 8 disposals (5 kicks and 3 handballs), 4 marks, 3 tackles and 1 hitouts in a 13-point win over Brisbane.

St Kilda has elevated Sam Dunell to its primary list, with a senior call-up a distinct possibility.

"Sammy has worked hard for his opportunity and his elevation is on the back of consistent form and elite preparation," St Kilda coach Scott Waters said.

"He is competitive, reads the game well, has very good hands and is another of our younger players that will develop the capacity to play numerous roles."