Stephen Milne knows what is left of his AFL career involves more than just kicking goals and maybe “yapping” to harried opposition defenders.

The master goalsneak now also has apprentices to teach.

New St Kilda recruits Ahmed Saad and Terry Milera showed some promising signs in last Friday night’s pre-season games at Etihad Stadium.

Far from being threatened by the youngsters, Milne talks like a player wanting to put together his own AFL succession plan.

The All-Australian was asked about having an understudy as he stood next to Saad on Tuesday at a club media opportunity.

“Time flies, I tell you – he’s going well,” said Milne, who turns 32 next month.

“There’s a lot of talent coming through and Saady and Terry have been training really well.

“I can’t play forever, so it’s good if I can teach Saady a few things along the way.

“If they keep playing well and come in and hopefully help out `Schneids’ (Adam Schneider) and I out, it’s going to be benefit the team.”

Milne has kicked 490 goals in 236 games since making his senior debut in 2001.

He is unsure about whether retirement will come at the end of this season or the next, although winning an elusive premiership would simplify the issue.

Milne has come so close to being a premiership player and famously the ball bounced the wrong way as he tried to control it near goal with only seconds left in the 2010 grand final draw.

“It depends how we go and how I go over the next year or two, see what happens,” he said of his playing future.

“I will know when my time is up.

“I want to chase that premiership, so hopefully it’s this year and then I might pull it up.”

For all the forecasts of doom outside the club, the Saints are bullish about their chances this season.

“We still know we’re capable of beating any team in the competition on any given day when we’re playing our best footy,” Milne said.

Saad gave the Saints an entertaining start to a long season when he kicked the first goal on Friday night and celebrated the moment.

“It was awesome, it felt a bit surreal,” the 22-year-old said.

“As soon as it went through, I put my hand up and started running around like a headless chook.

“I have to calm down a little bit, it’s only NAB Cup, but it’s definitely exciting.”

But Milne, who has never been a shrinking violet on the field, liked the young bloke’s work.

“You have to enjoy what you do and I think he’s doing that,” Milne said.

“When he kicked that first goal, the excitement on his face, it just brings joy to all the older guys around him and keeps us on his toes as well.”