ST KILDA Football Club has extended its recruiting program in New Zealand by signing Auckland teenager Giovanni Mountain-Silbery as the club’s second international scholarship holder.



Known for his speed, leap and power, Mountain-Silbery caught the eye of Saints recruiters at the AFLNZ Combine in late January where he registered 2.97 seconds for a 20m sprint.



“I'm pretty stoked and excited,” the 16-year-old from South Auckland said.



"This whole opportunity is massive. It's a new experience for me and my family and I'm just really excited to take it as it comes and get the ball rolling.”



The Kiwi teenager, who stands at an imposing 196cm and weighs 96kgs, had the opportunity to meet New Zealand-born Saints recruit Shane Savage who was in Auckland promoting the forthcoming Anzac Day clash in Wellington.



Mountain-Silbery represents his school in 100m running, high jump and long jump and originates from a rugby background, having recently completed a trial for the Rabbitohs in the NRL before being recruited by the Saints.



@stkildafc have signed another Kiwi to an #AFL International Scholarship http://t.co/Nx6Ayt1Kft Congrats to Giovanni Mountain Silbery — AFL New Zealand (@AFLNZ) March 11, 2014

St Kilda Head of Football, Chris Pelchen said the signing was another important step in the expansion of the game in New Zealand and the Saints objective of being the AFL club of choice across the Tasman.“Like most young athletes in New Zealand, Giovanni has had limited exposure to AFL football but his power and athleticism provide a solid foundation on which to develop in the future,” Pelchen said.“We know there are some outstanding athletes in New Zealand and we have been encouraged by the recent signings of Joe Baker-Thomas last year and now Giovanni in 2014.”Mountain-Silbery attends the same college as Hawthorn international scholarship holder Siope Ngata and will bebased in New Zealand while he completes his final two years of schooling.He has been signed on a two-year contract and will be developed through both AFLNZ football programs and the Saints Player Academy.