Gary Buckenara analyses St Kilda’s list after the 2018 season
ST KILDA were the big trade losers this year after missing out on several stars and bringing in a "banged up" Dan Hannebery, recruiting expert GARY BUCKENARA writes. Where do the Saints go from here?
WHERE do I start with St Kilda?
I wrote in the Herald Sun last year the Saints were at a bit of a wait and see stage with their list — that was to wait and see if some of their young players were up to the level.
We’ve received our answer.
CARLTON ANALYSIS: WHY BLUES SHOULD TRADE PICK 1
SAINTS BOUND: DAN’S 800,000 REASONS TO STAY FIT
The Saints were expected to again challenge for the top eight in 2018. No one could have anticipated the dismal season this club endured on their way to finishing 16th on the ladder after just four wins and a draw.
It’s clear now that a lot of the players at St Kilda won’t take the next step and become regular senior AFL players and the time has come to try and correct those recruiting decisions.
The clean-out both on and off the field has already begun with list manager Tony Elshaug stepping down, while Sam Gilbert, Hugh Goddard, Nathan Freeman, Nathan Wright, Darren Minchington and category B rookie Ray Connellan have been delisted.
The Saints were the big losers of the trade period. For the second year in a row the club missed out on top targets Scott Lycett, Andrew Gaff, Dylan Shiel and Tom Scully — they haven’t been able to attract any star players.
Last year North Melbourne was the one who wasn’t a destination club and now St Kilda have taken over that mantle. Players see there’s not a lot to go there for.
I’ve been critical of St Kilda’s list and its pursuit of Hannebery and my opinion hasn’t changed. It smells of desperation. Hannebery isn’t the type of player the Saints need. They need speed through the midfield and the former Swan doesn’t have that. I’ve got nothing against Dan Hannebery but his body is clearly banged up and he’s slowed down — it has been very noticeable. He’s no longer an A-grade player and St Kilda desperately need A-grade players. I do hope he proves me wrong and becomes a really valuable player.
I don’t mind the addition of Kent as he’s a big body and if he can get his body right could be a decent pick-up.
GARY BUCKENARA WILL BE ANALYSING EVERY CLUB’S LIST IN A SPECIAL SERIES OF COLUMNS. STAY TUNED FOR YOUR CLUB IN COMING DAYS
To me, there is a lot of same old, same old about St Kilda.
The club boasts some nice players like Jack Steven, Seb Ross, Jake Carlisle, Jack Billings, Jack Newnes, Tim Membrey and Josh Bruce but they’re not A-grade players.
They all have their limitations and that is essentially why the club finds itself in its current position.
These players haven’t been able to take the next step and become stars of the competition.
When the Saints held strong hands at the draft after their last finals appearance in 2011, drafts that would be crucial to their rebuild, the club recruited Nathan Wright (pick 24, 2012), Spencer White (pick 25, 2012), Jack Billings (pick 3, 2013), Luke Dunstan (pick 18, 2013), Blake Acres (pick 19, 2013), Paddy McCartin (pick 1, 2014), Hugh Goddard (pick 21, 2014), Daniel McKenzie (pick 22, 2014), Jade Gresham (pick 18, 2015) and Brandon White (pick 40, 2015) with selections between 1-40 in crucial years between 2012-15.
Four of those players are no longer on the list, while the futures of Dunstan, McCartin and Billings are clouded.
None of those players have developed into star AFL players outside of Gresham — one player who took some serious strides in his development this year.
The way the modern game is being played has also had a serious impact on the Saints’ fortunes.
The list is not only lacking a few A-graders, it is also lacking pace and not having those quick and athletic mid-sized marking forwards who can run up and down the ground and beat their opponent back has affected them more than other clubs.
That’s where the drafting of McCartin and Goddard, two players the Saints thought would be their full forward and centre halfback for the next 10 years, missed the mark given the way the modern game is being played.
The jury is out on Ben Long (pick 25, 2016), while Josh Battle (pick 39, 2016) has shown signs and Hunter Clark (pick 7, 2017) and Nick Coffield (pick 8, 2017) have just started their AFL careers.
The Saints have also struggled to replace Nick Riewoldt, not only for his leadership but also his unbelievable work rate and Leigh Montagna’s leadership through the midfield and across half-back.
ST KILDA’S LIST NEEDS
There are a number of areas that need to be addressed. The No.1 concern is the lack of star midfielders with pace and foot skills that can help the likes of Steven, Ross and Jack Steele who have carried the bulk of the load.
The list is also lacking a quick rebound defender who makes good decisions with ball in hand and uses it well.
The Saints also need a genuine No.1 option in attack.
McCartin hasn’t shown he can stay fit or be that genuine and consistent marking option, while Josh Bruce has been injured and is more a second or third tall and Tim Membrey, at 188cm, is too short for that role. Battle and Rowan Marshall are inexperienced and still learning their craft.
The ruck situation is also a serious concern as Tom Hickey and Billy Longer haven’t been able to nail down the No.1 ruck role. Rookie Lewis Pierce showed some decent signs late in the season.
PLAYERS THAT NEED TO STEP UP IN 2019
Bruce managed just three games after his season was ruined by injury. He’ll need to make sure he gets his body right over the off-season so he can hit the ground running in pre-season and get himself into the best position he can for next year because the Saints really need him.
Long was a high draft pick back in 2016 and has not yet delivered on the potential he showed as a matchwinner in the VFL in his draft year and might be on one of his last chances.
He must establish himself as a regular in 2019, especially given he’s the type of player the Saints need.
Jack Lonie was linked to potential trades but is staying at Moorabbin and will need a big season. He showed some good signs late this season but a few games doesn't make a career.
CRYSTAL BALL
There has never been a more important time for St Kilda to nail the draft than now. If they don’t and fail to improve their list during the trade and free agency periods again then the club might need to complete another rebuild.
I don’t believe the Saints can play finals next year but if they do get their draft picks right this year and next, then the club could potentially push for a finals berth in 2020.
It’s crunch time for this club.
Originally published as Gary Buckenara analyses St Kilda’s list after the 2018 season
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