St Kilda believes it has secured future midfield stars without the million-dollar price tag
ST KILDA believes it has acquired the inside-outside midfield star it needs without the million-dollar price tag after securing Hunter Clark and Nick Coffield inside the AFL Draft top 10.
Draft news
Don't miss out on the headlines from Draft news. Followed categories will be added to My News.
ST KILDA believes it has acquired the inside-outside midfield star it needs without the million-dollar price tag.
The Saints finally cashed in on the top-10 pick acquired from Hawthorn by taking midfielder Hunter Clark (pick No.7) and 190cm defender Nick Coffield (pick No.8).
Dandenong Stingray Clark spent the year proving he had inside grunt to add to his credentials as a dashing outside runner.
EARLY PICKS: SAINTS EYE DRAFT BONANZA
EVERY PICK: ANALYSIS OF EVERY CLUB’S DRAFT HAUL
STINGRAYS: HOW TO MAKE A DRAFT HOPEFUL
The Saints had attempted to lure GWS inside-outside midfielder Josh Kelly despite his massive price tag but eventually backed in their draft credentials.
Northern Knights half-back Coffield can turn into a strong-bodied midfielder to round out a midfield that still needs A-grade talent.
If St Kilda missed out on the absolute cream of the draft in its top-five picks it will believe that pair can develop into mids which compliment its existing mix.
At pick No.35 they took Dandenong 196cm defender Oscar Clavarino as a succession plan for Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown.
Then at pick No.46 they secured 186cm Murray Bushrangers defender Ben Paton after an All-Australian year highlighted by his high-leaping feats.
Clark averaged 26 possessions for Dandenong and despite a groin injury early in the year eventually proved he was a fully rounded player.
“Coming into the year I was pegged as an outside player so I wanted to prove I can play as an inside midfielder,” he said.
“I love the competitiveness of winning the inside ball so being able to prove I can do that and then hurt teams on the outside, I was able to get a good balance of both.
“This year St Kilda showed they could match it with anyone so it’s awesome to be part of an up-and-coming team.”
He will pair up with natural leader Coffield, who estimates he played a quarter of the season as a midfielder.
“I have been exposed to half-back in the nationals and junior footy so far but me and the recruiters think I can develop into a midfielder.
“Hopefully with my height I can develop into a bigger midfielder but I am happy wherever the coach wants to put me.
“There is a bit of pressure with the two retirees Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna but if me or Hunter can fill their shoes in any way we would be ecstatic.”
St Kilda recruiting boss Tony Elshaug said he had no doubt the two early picks and Paton could all transition into the midfield.
“Hunter’s back half of the season in the midfield we felt was as good as most players,’’ he said.
“And Nick played through the midfield at times and in the end he would have played three or four games as a midfielder and shown his capabilities.
“But with size, marking, overhead and Hunter’s ability to go this way and that way and Nick’s ability to step, they have got a lot to offer.”
Queries over whether Hugh Goddard will develop into a regular senior player meant securing key defender Clavarino was a canny decision.
“He is a very good intercept mark. He was co-captain of Vic Country, a great kid, an outstanding leader and a great kick of the footy.
“He was All Australian and one of four All Australian defenders so we felt he was the right fit in terms of where our list was at.”
Originally published as St Kilda believes it has secured future midfield stars without the million-dollar price tag