Stephen Milne boots four goals in Seaford practice match Stephen Milne starred in St Kilda's first intraclub practice match of the year. AGELESS Stephen Milne set the pattern for another productive AFL season as a standout performer in St Kilda's first intraclub practice match today. Milne booted four goals and set up at least another three with his renowned crumbing work in the forward line at Seaford. The form of the 258-game veteran was high on coach Scott Watters' list of encouraging signs from the workout that lasted nearly two hours. Watters said Milne was on a modified training program early in the pre-season to protect a minor knee problem. But the 32-year-old stepped up his work when players resumed after the Christmas break. Milne looked sharp and keen and the coach continued to marvel at his leadership and example for younger teammates. He had a hand in two of fellow forward Terry Milera's three goals while another small forward Ahmed Saad also chimed in with two. Beau Maister - formerly Wilkes - was impressive among the tall targets with three goals and midfielders Jack Steven and David Armitage were others to show impressive early touch. Captain Nick Riewoldt, best and fairest winner Lenny Hayes, Sean Dempster, Adam Schneider and Rhys Stanley were the senior players to sit out the opening practice match. Watters was the overseer of the game, supervised by a full complement of field and boundary umpires, that gave players short breaks every 10 or 15 minutes for onfield drinks in the heat. Ruckman Ben McEvoy ran to the dressing rooms with a trainer midway through the match and didn't return. But Watters said he was fine and the rest was only to manage his heavy workloads. St Kilda starts its NAB Cup campaign against Adelaide and Port Adelaide in Adelaide tomorrow week.