Sam Jasper has made the transition into the Saints' leadership group look easy.
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The 22-year-old has been a pillar for the Saints in recent seasons and has taken the extra responsibility in his stride.
Jasper, like many country footballers, downplayed his role in the team.
"I guess I'm in the leadership group a little bit. It's been pretty good, we've got a good core group of players that are all leaders," he said.
"There's probably half a dozen leaders or so, so that makes it easier. There's not much to do with so many leaders."
Since arriving from Kalkee in 2015, Jasper has forged his place in the Saints' lineup, wherever that may be.
This season Jasper has been tasked with a more advanced role; a move that's already proved fruitful.
Jasper, with 19, is the Horsham Saints' most prolific goal kicker so far this season.
"I've been playing a bit more forward for most of the year. I've spent a bit more time in the forward line and a bit deeper than usual," he said.
"It's not been too bad. It's a bit different, not being around the ball as much.
"We've got a pretty good midfield. It's a young crew, so it's good to have them bringing the ball down."
Jasper was a member of the Wimmera Football League interleague team that secured a 45-point upset against the Murray league at Shepparton earlier this year.
A three-goal performance in that game earned Jasper selection in a wider Victorian Country training squad, coached by famed AFL figure Danny Frawley.
"It was a great experience down there, with some of the best footballers in the state," he said.
"It was good to see how they all do things, and there are a few things that I've taken back. Some of their knowledge is pretty good."
The Saints sit fifth after a relentless home and away season and will head into their twelfth-consecutive finals campaign.
"It's been a pretty good season and a nice tight competition. You need to rock up and play good footy every week, no matter who you are against," Jasper said.
"This weekend (against Dimboola) is not going to be easy, but it would be good to get a win heading into finals."
Regardless of how his side fares in September, Jasper said he was excited about the Saints' potential.
"Everyone is pretty young and keen, and it's bloody good, I reckon," he said.
"They're all keen to go, and they're all keen to play footy, so it's a good feeling out there.
"If we can get everyone to stick around together, you never know what is going to happen."
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