Shane Savage might be a dual premiership player if he'd stayed at Hawthorn. He knows it too, and still believes he could have been good enough to make the Hawks' 2014 and 2015 premiership sides had he stayed.
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But sometimes you have to move backwards to go forwards.
That's why he has no regrets about requesting a trade from Waverley - where he spent the first six years of his career, and played in the losing 2012 grand final.
On Saturday, Savage - revitalised since a shift to half-back midway through 2014 season - will carry his 18-month-old son Jett onto Etihad Stadium, before playing his 100th senior game as St Kilda take on Fremantle.
Savage describes his arrival at 100 games as "a relief". There were times when he believed he wouldn't make it, particularly during frustrating campaigns in 2012 and 2013 in which he found himself in and out of the league's best side.
It's why he had to leave, and risk the prospect of watching on as the Hawks added more silverware to their bulging cabinet. The man with whom he traded places in the 2013 off-season - former Saints ruckman Ben McEvoy - now possesses two premiership medals.
But Savage, 25, now holds something he didn't have in his former life - a regular spot in his team's 22, a treasured commodity that eluded him as Hawthorn won the first of their three straight premierships in 2013.
"It was a really hard decision," Savage said this week, reflecting on his decision to leave. "I totally knew where they were at, they were obviously in the premiership window.
"I still believe that if I could have played my best footy, I could have been a part of that team. [But] I think for my development, I saw St Kilda as a team I'd flourish in, and I think have. I was really happy with my move."
The Saints have at least broken even from a trade which sent popular big man McEvoy packing unexpectedly, having gained Savage and pick 18, used on emerging midfielder and leader Luke Dunstan.
Not that things were going to plan midway through 2014, as Savage found himself playing VFL football despite the Saints' lying near the bottom of the ladder.
"I probably found it a lot harder than I thought to adjust to the new environment, my new teammates and the new game plan as well. I probably came in a little bit underdone, to be honest.
Being dropped "really turned the switch". But that wasn't the only trigger for Savage's form spike.
Coach Alan Richardson backed his instincts and sent the ex-Hawk to the back line. It was a good call. Again a move backwards has helped Savage go forward.
"I think I've really been able to flourish in that position," he said. "Being able to see the game a little bit more and provide the run and drive that I can give has really helped me."
Having not spent much time in defence previously, Savage was challenged by his new accountability. But advice from Jarryn Geary, Sean Dempster and Dylan Roberton has helped Savage become accustomed to his new surrounds.
Now cemented in Richardson's side, Savage is excited by the progress of Seb Ross, Josh Bruce, Paddy McCartin and his defensive partner Jimmy Webster - whose reputation as "a lad" off the field contrast strongly with his on-field persona.
"When he crosses that line he wants to knock someone out. He's really aggressive. Savage adds: "Within the rules, obviously."
The addition of Jett to Savage's life with wife Sarah has given greater depth and balance to his existence. The Saint is looking forward to sharing his milestone with his son. "Hopefully we can get plenty of photos.
"It's changed everything for the better. I wanted to be a pretty young parent and having him at a young age was something I always wanted.
"When he's grown up I want to be able to go to the park with him, or be really active. I think that's something that really enticed me to have a baby."
And if Savage's faith in his new club is vindicated, Jett will join him on a celebratory lap of the MCG somewhere around 2021.
"Every player wants to be part of a premiership. I had my chance in 2012. The good thing about the Saints is that I firmly believe that in the next five years we can make a grand final and win one. I'm still positive that one day I'll be able to hold up the cup."
