Opinion
The St Kilda Saints finished 14th on the 2019 AFL ladder, but they did manage to amass nine wins for the season, which is a fairly respectable record.
The Saints would be disappointed with their second half against North Melbourne in Round 1 of 2020, when they lost a game they were in full control of. But they would be pleased they conceded only two goals in the first half. Given they will be hoping they can make finals in 2020 under new coach Brett Ratten, this was an extremely challenging article to formulate.
10. Jade Gresham
Gresham has the ability to play in a forward pocket or through the midfield. He played 19 games in 2019, averaging 22.58 disposals per game and kicking 15 goals. Despite missing three games he finished sixth in the 2019 St Kilda best and fairest.
(Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
9. Zak Jones
Jones is an experienced but underrated player. Jones has the capability of being an important part of the Saints team that will be doing everything within their power to make the top eight. He was outstanding in Round 1 playing in the midfield as he was named in the Saints’ best players on the AFL website.
8. Daniel Hannebery
Hannebery may have played only five games in 2019, but he averaged an impressive 25 disposals per match. He’s also a premiership player with the Sydney Swans and a leader, despite not being part of the St Kilda leadership group in 2020. If he can string some games together and perform to the level he did in Round 1, he’ll be an imperative part of the Saints line-up.
7. Bradley Hill
Hill stepped straight into the St Kilda leadership group despite joining the club only this year. Hill finished third in the 2019 Fremantle best and fairest, which is reasonably impressive. Hill will play on the wing and be an imperative part of the Saints’ push to make finals. He needs to improve on his Round 1 performance, having amassed just 12 disposals.
6. Jack Steele
Steele finished third in the 2019 St Kilda best and fairest count. He played 20 games, averaging 21.9 disposals a match. If Round 1 was anything to go by, Steele will be an integral part of the Saints, as he was one of their best players in a narrow loss.
5. Hunter Clark
Clark will be playing as a key defender at centre halfback if Round 1 is a guide to the rest of the season. In 2019 Clark averaged 20.5 disposals in 14 games, which is impressive given he is a key defender. He was among St Kilda’s best players in their narrow Round 1 defeat.
(Michael Willson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
4. Sebastian Ross
Ross won the 2019 St Kilda best and fairest. He played every match in 2019, averaging exactly 26 disposals per game. If he can emulate his Round 1 form, he will be an important part of the Saints midfield, as he’s a quality player. He is the vice-captain of the Saints in 2020, which shows he isn’t just a good player but also a good leader.
3. Jack Billings
Billings is capable of being in the All Australian squad of 40 at a minimum in 2020 if his performance in Round 1 was anything to go by. Billings played every game in 2019, averaging 25.73 disposals per game. He finished fourth in the 2019 Saints best and fairest. Given Daniel Hannebery played just five games in 2019 and Zak Jones played his first game for the Saints in Round 1 this year, Billings will have more freedom, as they are two quality inclusions into the Saints midfield. Billings was also added to the Saints leadership group for 2020.
2. Tim Membrey
Membrey is a pivotal part of the St Kilda forward line. He played every game in 2019, averaging exactly two goals per game. Given Josh Bruce has gone to the Western Bulldogs, it puts even more emphasis on Membrey. Membrey finished fifth in the Saints 2019 best and fairest. He’ll be looking to improve in 2020 and play a pivotal role in the Saints’ top eight pursuit. He’s a part of the Saints leadership group for 2020 and will be looking to work on that side of his game too.
1. Rowan Marshall
Marshall is an underrated mobile ruckman with plenty of ability. He averaged an impressive 28.4 hit-outs per game in 20 matches in 2019, finishing second in the best and fairest. Expect him to improve in 2020 given he averaged 11.25 contested possessions a game last season as a ruckman and an impressive 17.75 disposals per game, which shows he has a good work rate.
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