2013 provides us with a very intriguing case regarding the fortunes of the St Kilda Football Club.
St Kilda appear to be sitting in limbo so is it a case of ‘where to now?’ for the 2010 grand finalists?
Hardly tipped to make the final eight but not backed to really fail, the Saints appear to be lying in limbo ahead of the new AFL season.
With ageing stars Nick Riewoldt, Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna again set to lead the way, the Saints seem to lack a comfortable mix of experience, youth and mid-aged players that is often so vital when speaking of successful sides.
A huge problem is the gap between super experienced players, such as the aforementioned quartet, and players aged between 23 and 27 (11 players total).
For mine, there is simply not enough of those players between the 50 to 120-game mark to allow St Kilda to flourish in 2013, but on the flipside, there is enough youth coming through to provide somewhat of a bright future.
Last season’s finish of ninth was about right for Scott Watters’ squad but I fear they may drop off this year, with their pre-season loss to GWS Giants, who they take on in round three, providing a few heart flutters for the Moorabbin faithful.
Not to say that NAB Cup form means too much when the season proper kicks in, but there is just not a lot to get excited about regarding St Kilda.
Their forward line consists of a number of mid-to-small sized players led by Stephen Milne, who continues to do the job, Terry Milera, Ahmed Saad, Trent Dennis-Lane and Adam Schneider.
Surprisingly, the Saints produced the fourth-highest points for score in the league last year.
Beau Maister really needs to step up to provide a foil for skipper Riewoldt, who will have plenty to do this year yet again, and there is also promise in youngsters Rhys Stanley and Tom Lee in an area where the Saints could again be proficient.
The loss of Brendon Goddard to Essendon is enormous, leaving perhaps third-year player Arryn Siposs to become the ball-carrying delivery man out of defence.
Goddard’s absence will leave a gaping hole as his class and poise was relied upon so heavily and it is difficult to see exactly where Watters will find someone so similarly versatile.
The defence is in decent shape on paper with the likes of Sean Dempster, Sam Fisher, James Gwilt, Sam Gilbert and youngster Tom Simpkin but don’t be surprised if one of the competition’s leading forwards has a day out against the Saints this year.
This is a region where the club dropped off last year following their dour days under Ross Lyon.
In the middle of the ground, the courageous Hayes, sublime skill of Dal Santo and pace of Montagna will again feature prominently with assistance from Jack Steven who is primed to star, David Armitage who will look to take the next step, the ever-improving rucking ability of Ben McEvoy and Clinton Jones’ lockdown capabilities.
There are plenty of pros and cons put forward for the Saints’ case this year but all-in-all, I just cannot see them doing a hell of a lot of damage in 2013 and suggest they will slip slightly down the ladder, finishing maybe a few wins out of the final eight.
Key players
Nick Riewoldt – Still a class act. Brave, spirited forward who gives absolutely everything to the cause.
Lenny Hayes – The heart and soul of the Saints. Reigning best-and-fairest winner despite a bung knee and leaky heart.
Nick Dal Santo – Superbly skilled performer who continues to produce year-in, year-out.
Breakout potential
Beau Maister – Tall forward who has had a good pre-season. Kicked some bags in the past and now ready to really step up.
Jack Steven – Set to become an elite midfielder after 51 games of development.
Rhys Stanley – If he can remain injury-free, the tall forward who can pinch-hit in the ruck could be a solid contributor.
Promising youngsters
Jack Newnes – Half-back/midfielder who will be expected to step up and play more senior footy this year.
Seb Ross – Inside midfielder. Cousin of Jobe Watson who has plenty of scope.
Terry Milera – Could become a class small forward who can be used further up the ground.
Key additions
Trent Dennis-Lane – Capable medium-sized forward from Sydney adds depth in the Saints forward 50.
Tom Hickey – Developing ruckman from Gold Coast Suns for whom he appeared 12 times over two seasons.
Notable departures
Brendon Goddard – Essendon
Jamie Cripps – West Coast
Predicted finish: 11th
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Former Adelaide captain Rory Sloane has been forced into immediate retirement by the threat of further eye damage. Sloane, 34, had a second bout…
Kane Cornes has hit back at suggestions Aliir Aliir had some responsibility in being concussed in Jack Higgins' dangerous tackle, which saw the Saint…
St Kilda forward Jack Higgins has been hit with a three-match suspension for the dangerous tackle that concussed Aliir Aliir in the Saints' loss…
On the scoreboard, it looks like a creditable St Kilda performance. A loss to a Port Adelaide outfit many see as a premiership contender…
Was this Darcy Byrne-Jones mark correctly paid or not?
