Only two sets of supporters have been waiting for a premiership longer than St Kilda, those teams being the Bulldogs and the luckless Demons. But it isn’t all bad news down at Seaford.
The Saints have some promising young players and a determined coach that will be looking to deliver the Saints their second premiership sooner rather than later.
St Kilda’s golden years of the past decade delivered two runners up. The first in 2009 against a Geelong side that would win three premierships in a six-year period, the other being the 2010 grand final saga in which the Saints drew against Collingwood before being thumped in the rematch a week later.
Since then, the Saints have gone through some tough and troubling times. They have lost midfield dynamos Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard and Nick Dal Santo, big men Ben McEvoy and Justin Koschitzke, and goal sneak Stephen Milne, culminating with last year’s wooden spoon.
As we look to the future of this side, there is plenty of potential to replace these guns that took them to two consecutive grand final appearances but failed to win that allusive second premiership.
Defence
Down back the Saints are blessed with the calming influence of Sam Fisher. After making his debut in 2004, he is one of the remaining Saints to have played in the 2010 grand final against Collingwood.
At 32 years of age he is certainly past his prime but will provide invaluable lessons to the future of the Saints’ defence. Adding another experienced defender in Sean Dempster and the Saints’ young players have some guidance to look up to for a few more years at least.
Jarryn Geary, who crept his way to 100 games, is becoming a solid defensive player for the Saints. He still has a number of good years left in him and as he improves will hopefully become a rock in the St Kilda defence.
A promising defensive prospect for the Saints is the second cousin of former player Brendon Goddard. Hugh Goddard, pick 21 in last year’s draft, is a versatile tall defender that can swing up forward when need be.
Alan Richardson has chosen not to play him so far this season, continuing his development in the VFL where he has shown what he is capable of as a key defender. He is certainly in the long-term plans of Richardson and the St Kilda board.
Another young defender in Jimmy Webster, who will have Saints fans excited for the future. He had a season high 27 disposals against Hawthorn in Round 10, showing everybody what he is capable of. The 188-centimetre tall defender has played every game since earning a first team spot in Round 5 and will be a key part of this young team’s progress.
There is definitely a need to recruit a big-bodied defender in the off-season to stabilise the at times rocky defence.
Midfield
This is where the Saints will be getting excited. Leigh Montagna and David Armitage have had outstanding seasons so far this season in the midfield.
The Saints will be hoping to get a few more solid seasons out of Montagna (now 32) to really set up the next midfield guns. Armitage, at 27 years old, is an integral part of the next five years for St Kilda as they look to consolidate their rebuilding process.
This year has seen breakthrough seasons for Jack Billings and Jack Steven, running with pace through the middle of the park. The two Jacks are providing the Saints’ midfield with youth and skill. Although Steven has been around since 2009 he has struggled with injury and has played every game this season, averaging over 28 disposals and six tackles a game.
Billings, a much fresher face around the club after being taken at pick three in last year’s AFL draft, is having a solid season for someone who is still only 19 years of age. He has played 10 games and showed his goal kicking prowess with an impressive four goals against the Bulldogs in Round 6. The talented midfielder, along with Steven and Armitage, will provide the core midfield group that look to carry the Saints into a new era of success.
Another young prospect is Maverick Weller who has often been giving a tagging role this year, freeing up the likes of Armitage and Montagna to run riot in the middle of the park. Having only missed two games so far, Weller should be a long-term tagger for the Saints.
Ruck
Billy Longer and Tom Hickey are the long-term ruck pairing for the Saints. Hickey has recovered from a knee injury but has still only played six games this season, needing more time to develop as a dominant ruckman.
Longer has had a better season playing every game and locking down the position as the Saints’ number one ruckman this year. He is averaging a solid 32 hit-outs for the Saints.
Longer and Hickey are young and have time to develop and become a dominant ruck pairing. After losing McEvoy the Saints have had a hard time in the ruck but with especially Longer showing promise, St Kilda next season should be scoring many more goals from stoppages.
Forward
St Kilda will be very pleased with the development of tall defender turned goalscoring machine Josh Bruce this season, as their forward line is providing more concerns than in other areas of the pitch. Having only exceeded 100 points twice this season, the Saints need some firepower up front.
Bruce stands at an intimidating 196 centimetres and has proven a handful for opposition defenders this year. He has kicked 32 goals and looks to be Nick Riewoldt’s successor. A lot of expectations will be heaped onto the young forward as Riewoldt’s career comes to an end and if he can handle the pressure he could very well carry St Kilda to a number of victories in the next couple of years.
A lot of pressure is going to be placed on last year’s number one draft pick, Paddy McCartin, as well. The tall key position forward hasn’t had much of an opportunity this year but will certainly play a big role next season. Him and Bruce will be the two vital tall forwards for the Saints when Riewoldt’s career is over.
The Saints need to add some quality small forwards around Bruce and McCartin if they want to start kicking some more winning scores. Jack Lonie is one exciting small forward proposition but with experienced forwards Adam Schneider and Nick Riewoldt in the twilight of their careers the Saints must find some long-term replacements in the next draft and trade period.
Shane Savage is a potentially damaging small forward who often plays down back as well. Tim Membrey is another youngster who needs to turn his potential as a tall solid marker into performances for the Saints. There are still some uncertain times for the Saints’ forward line.
Summary
The Saints are a young, developing side. They absolutely need experienced players Fisher, Dempster, Montagna, Riewoldt, Ray and Schneider to hang around as long as possible, ensuring the Saints are not facing another rebuild in a few years’ time.
The midfield is where most of the magic is happening for the Saints at the moment with Steven, Armitage and Billings along with ruckman Longer forming a potentially decade-long midfield partnership.
St Kilda still need to add some quality to their defence and forward line and with a busy trade and draft period looming in the off-season, finals are not as far away as they seem.
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