St Kilda list analysis: Free agents, out of contract stars and trade targets for the Saints
St Kilda has 15 players still out of contract for next season. Who will stay and who will go? Take a look at our detailed list analysis.
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There have been a few false dawns, but St Kilda appears to be in the sweet spot right now.
At the midway point it is knocking on the door of the top four, and it would probably be in there right now if not for the ill-fated decision to sell their home game against Port Adelaide to Cairns.
They most likely win that game if it’s played in the comfort of a familiar, closed-roof Marvel Stadium, although the Saints have still surpassed expectations to now.
Their defence? Big tick.
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They’ve been super stingy, giving up only on average 70 points a game, which is third best of all teams so far in 2022.
In the middle, Jack Steele and Brad Crouch have been prolific, while Seb Ross and Jade Gresham have also starred.
Then there is Jack Sinclair, who is averaging over 27 disposals a game with the valuable versatility to play off the halfback flank or through the engine room.
Up forward, Max King has led the way with 32 goals and has been well supported by Tim Membrey (18 goals) and Jack Higgins (16 goals).
All areas of the ground appear to be in solid shape, so what do they need?
More than anything, a couple of key re-signings.
None more important than big man Rowan Marshall, who is reportedly being chased hard by Essendon among others.
Josh Battle has been a revelation in defence this year, and the Saints will want to keep him.
The cherry on top would be if they could snare Jordan De Goey from the Magpies.
He’s the type of game-breaker that coach Brett Ratten would love to have through the middle and drifting forward.
His X-factor would be lovely at the Saints, but for the first time in a long time they’re not wanting for too much at the moment.
WHO’S OUT OF CONTRACT?
Ben Long, Ben Paton, Dan Butler, Dan Hannebery, Darragh Joyce, Dean Kent, Jack Bytel, Josh Battle, Max Heath, Patrick Ryder, Rowan Marshall, Tom Campbell, Tom Highmore, Zak Jones
ELIGIBLE FOR FREE AGENCY
Who’s eligible for free agency?
Tom Campbell*, Jarryn Geary, Darragh Joyce*, Jarrod Lienert*, Mason Wood*
* = previously delisted
THREE PLAYERS YOUR CLUB IS/SHOULD BE LOOKING AT
Jordan De Goey (Collingwood)
De Goey is exactly the type of player the Saints would love to snare to complement their list. They have the base of a good side, and the Magpie would fit in well alongside the likes of Gresham and Steele. He might never win a Brownlow, but he is an explosive game breaker that can play through the middle and front of centre.
Karl Amon (Port Adelaide)
Amon is currently very in-demand. The Power player, who is said to be considering a move back to Victoria, has a number of Melbourne clubs chasing him, and the Saints are reportedly one of them. Carlton is another, and the Blues would be backing coach Michael Voss’s previous relationship with Amon when they were both at Port Adelaide. Although, interestingly, Amon’s mother works at the Saints as their indigenous development manager.
Rory Lobb (Fremantle)
With veteran ruckman Paddy Ryder a lot closer to the end of his career than the start of it, the Saints are looking to the future. It is why they’ve reportedly shown interest in the Docker, who has impressed this season in a duel ruck-forward role and is said to be eyeing a long-term deal.
THREE PLAYERS RIVALS CLUB WILL BE LOOKING AT
Rowan Marshall
Marshall is the Saints’ biggest priority in terms of their re-signings. Out of contract at the season’s end, the big ruckman is being chased hard by Essendon. Although, the Saints are in talks with Marshall’s management and the club is confident of keeping him at Moorabbin. He’s had his injury issues in past, but he’s played in 10 of the Saints’ 11 games this year, only missing the one-point defeat to Port Adelaide in round seven.
Josh Battle
The Saints must lock away Battle, who is out of contract at the season’s end. He has been one of St Kilda’s surprise packets this season. He has emerged this season to shore up the Saints’ defensive line. A lot of clubs would now have him on their radar, so the Saints needs to act fast.
Dan Butler
Butler’s pressure this season has been elite, but he’s been down in terms of disposals and score involvements. He’s been a good recruit for the Saints after leaving Richmond, but could he be prised out and on the way to a third club? He’s out of contract, and would be attractive to clubs looking for a small forward.
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