St Kilda ecstatic with draft hand and can’t wait to put picks 7 and 8 to good use

ST KILDA believes the volatile nature of the draft’s top 10 will hand it a bonanza as it plays its best hand since 2001 and the Saints hope to cash in as they restock their midfield.

ST KILDA believes the volatile nature of the draft’s top 10 will hand it a bonanza in Sydney on Friday night as it plays its best hand since 2001.

The Saints were steadfast in their determination to keep picks No.7 and 8 during the trade period and now hope to cash in as they restock their midfield.

Northern Knights skipper Nick Coffield is in the their sights because of his ability to move into the midfield after starring as a 190cm All Australian defender.

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But while the top four picks seemed set several months back, the Saints also could secure another midfielder once seen as a top-three candidate.

Saints recruiting boss Tony Elshaug told the Herald Sun he was bemused by knockers of the draft, saying the following year’s draft was always much-hyped.

St Kilda also has picks 34 and 45 as well as No.8 in next Monday’s rookie draft.

St Kilda is looking closely at Nick Coffield. Picture: Josie Hayden

The Saints will wait to see whether players like Angus Brayshaw or Adam Cerra fall their way.

“We will get quality players — that’s the best way to put it,” Elshaug said.

“There is a little bit of uncertainty and there are quality players at the top end of the draft.

“We are excited to have two picks inside 10 and it hasn’t been that way for 16 years.

“It’s a really exciting time for the club. We look forward to it and we just have to wait and see how the picks roll out.”

St Kilda took Nick Riewoldt and Justin Koschitzke at No.1 and 2 in 2000, but No.7 has consistently been good value, securing Joel Selwood, Jordan Lewis, Andrew Mackie, Jacob Hopper and Daniel Rich in recent seasons.

St Kilda ideally would love an outside midfielder with raw speed but has few other holes because of its key position stocks, two ruckmen and an improving midfield.

“I feel like (the list) is heading in the right direction,” Elshaug said.

“We always want to improve on a few bits and pieces. Hopefully when you pick up players you consider what else they can do, so they have an ability to play a couple of different roles.

“They might come into the team at different entry points as a forward or back and then turn into midfielders.”

The Saints could pounce on Adam Cerra if he slips down the draft order.

The Saints will lose senior administrator Ameet Bains to the Western Bulldogs, where he will take up the chief executive role next month.

One of the architects of the club’s draft strategy to move towards a second premiership, he will be sorely missed.

The Giants ensured departing list manager Craig Cameron played no part in their draft but have no concerns about Bains.

“It is a great result for the Bulldogs and unfortunately a disappointing day for the Saints, but everyone wishes him well,” Elshaug said.

“He has done such a great job and been such a great acquisition for our footy club.”