IT’S rare that a 110-point win is defined by a smother.

But, Jack Lonie’s want to throw himself at Bomber Jake Melksham’s boot in the third quarter was as influential as any of St Kilda’s 25 goals on Sunday afternoon.

That smother, along with 18 disposals and a brilliant dribble goal, earned Lonie the Round 14 Rising Star nomination.

“The boys were just really happy that I played my role. It was great that it turned into a goal. It’s not something you get a stat for — a kick, mark or handball — it’s just a little one percenter,” Lonie said.

Lonie has kicked just 10 goals across 12 games in his debut season, but it’s his defensive ferocity that’s prompted some Lenny Hayes fans to add a No. 3 to their jumper.

The 174cm forward is ranked No. 1 at St Kilda for applying pressure inside 50 via Champion Data’s gauge and No. 7 across the competition.

“Richo (coach Alan Richardson) keeps telling me that if I keep applying that pressure I’ll keep my spot. I suppose it’s pretty easy, if I just keep putting on pressure I’ll get a game,” he said.

“That’s why I enjoy it and get a lot out of it.”

Lonie is also making an impact in possession of the Sherrin, with his precise left foot feeding key forwards Nick Riewoldt and Josh Bruce.

The former Dandenong Stingray generates a mark from 42 per cent of his kicks that go inside 50 — he’s ranked No. 2 at the Saints for those who had more than 19 of these disposals.

The win over the Bombers was Lonie’s fifth as a Saint, but watching 15 goals sail through after half-time made it the most enjoyable.

“All the guys were really getting up and about. We made sure we kept celebrating our goals because we are building something special and we really wanted to savour that feeling of winning,” he said.

“We brought a complete performance. We worked hard and we deserved it.”

When the Seaford local was selected with pick No. 41 in last year’s draft it was Adam Schneider who showed Lonie the way. It was the veteran who announced Lonie’s good news to the playing group on Monday morning.

“He’s been awesome and I couldn’t thank him enough. He’s a similar player with a great footy brain, so I just try and learn as much from him as possible,” Lonie said.

Originally published as Saint Lonie gets Rising Star nod