Paddy McCartin remains a work in progress but St Kilda coach Alan Richardson has no doubt the young forward is made of the right stuff.

The 22-year-old had one of his best games of the AFL season on Sunday, booting two goals and crashing packs with confidence as the Saints held on for a thrilling 18.11 (119) to 18.9 (117) victory over Melbourne at the MCG.

McCartin’s slow development has been a source of frustration for St Kilda supporters across four injury-plagued seasons.

It’s hardly unusual for key forwards to take time to hit their straps but McCartin has had to face high expectations given he was taken as the No.1 pick in the 2014 draft.

Melbourne used the No.2 pick to take Christian Petracca, a genuine rising star capable of dominance in the midfield and up forward.

But it was McCartin who shone brightest on Sunday, even if his return of 2.3 didn’t quite reflect his impact on the game.

Richardson believes McCartin, who’s begun wearing a protective helmet after suffering several concussions, is finally on the right path.

“Paddy’s made of the right stuff,” Richardson said.

“We know that up until now, he’s had some challenges. He’s had a few knocks to the head and obviously he’s had to battle a little bit with his diabetes. But he’s getting through that now and he’s had some continuity of games.

“We just need our big forwards to give us really big contests so that (Jack) Billings, (Jack) Sinclair and (Jade) Gresham can get to work.

“We’re really pleased with the way Paddy’s going.”

Richardson confirmed key defender Nathan Brown would miss several weeks after injuring his hamstring during the win over the Demons.

Star defender Jimmy Webster (groin) is a chance to return for next week’s clash with Port Adelaide while veteran Sam Gilbert is also in the selection mix.