But Ratten believes emerging youngsters Max King, Nick Coffield, Hunter Clark and Ben Paton, among others, can help the Saints develop into genuine contenders in the near future.
Jade Gresham will return from injury next season and Ratten expects more experienced recruits via the trade period, following on from last year’s bumper trade haul.
(Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“We’ll go for a few things through the trade period for a bit more support for players and areas of our team,” Ratten said.
“It would be good to get another midfielder in, that would really help us, and maybe pushing him more into the forward line so we can get some more goal-scoring power as well.”
Advertisement
Ratten warned a tougher draw, courtesy of the Saints’ top-six finish this year, and a heavier weight of expectation will present hurdles in 2021.
“There will be different challenges for us next year but you can’t sit on the fence, you’ve got to put yourself out there,” Ratten said.