Gary Buckenara analyses St Kilda’s list after the 2019 season

St Kilda was one of the biggest winners of the trade period, improving its list considerably despite losing stars Jack Steven and Josh Bruce. But the Saints won't return to finals unless they can solve one big puzzle, writes list expert Gary Buckenara.

Gary Buckenara analyses St Kilda's list.

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For too long St Kilda has been guilty of overrating the potential of its list to develop into a team capable of winning a premiership.

While the Saints have undoubtedly had their fair share of bad luck on the injury front with the likes of Dylan Roberton, Jarryn Geary, Dan Hannebery, Paddy McCartin, Jake Carlisle and Jack Steven missing most of if not the entire season for various reasons, the fact is there isn’t enough star power on the list.

St Kilda is in a similar position to North Melbourne in that the Saints have far too many C-grade players who are honest role players but won’t be the next wave of stars capable of lifting the side into premiership calculations.

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I have rated 26 Saints players in the C-grade category, most of whom are aged 22-28, which is just far too many, and that is why I have major concerns.

Next year, the pressure will be on new coach Brett Ratten — who is a fantastic appointment — to get the best out of the likes of Luke Dunstan, Jack Steele, Jack Lonie, Jimmy Webster, Jack Sinclair, Daniel McKenzie and Ben Long. These guys have all been at the club long enough now and have had enough time invested into their development that we’re going to see them make or break their careers as AFL footballers. Are they going to take the next step and elevate themselves into the B-grade range with the potential to get to A-grade level, or are they just going to keep producing the same football they have for the past 2-3 seasons?

That’s the big question.

I’ve heard good things are happening in the player development and leadership space under the guidance of Melbourne Storm legend Billy Slater, so let’s hope that can translate into on-field performance because 2020 is going to be a defining season for this club. Are they going to compete and challenge for finals in the next few seasons or continue to hover around the 10-13 bracket?

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Can players like Jack Steele take their game to another level in 2020? Picture: Michael Klein

The Saints were one of the big winners of the trade period, finally adding pace and creativity with the additions of Hill, Butler and Zak Jones, while Paddy Ryder is a really important pick-up to help Rowan Marshall in the ruck for a couple of years and Dougal Howard will give them structure and depth down back. Josh Bruce, Blake Acres and Steven have departed but at the end of the day the additions far outweigh the departures and St Kilda’s list is much stronger for next year than it was this year.

The Saints gave up a lot to get Hill but he’s the player they’ve been crying out for and is going to add so much to the group — he’ll be worth the price they paid.  Ratten definitely has a lot to work with, with more weapons at his disposal.

Bradley Hill will bring much-needed pace and class to the Saints — at a price.

LIST NEEDS

The Saints have addressed their two major needs with Hill and Jones to provide speed and creativity through the midfield, while they have been crying out for a decent ruckman and have struck gold with Marshall out of the VFL, but he needs help and Ryder will be a huge get.

But even with the arrival of Ryder, the Saints still need another back-up ruckman to add some depth in case he and Marshall both suffer injuries. Both Billy Longer and Lewis Pierce have been delisted.

With Bruce traded out and Paddy McCartin stepping away from the game, the Saints require another tall forward, either developing or experienced.

LIST BREAKDOWN

A: Nil

B+: Nil

B: Rowan Marshall

B-: Jake Carlisle, Seb Ross, Jarryn Geary, Jack Billings

C+: Dan Hannebery, Shane Savage, Luke Dunstan, Jack Steele, Jack Lonie, Nathan Brown, Josh Battle, Tim Membrey, Jimmy Webster, Jack Sinclair, Daniel McKenzie, Dean Kent, Nick Hind, Callum Wilkie, Matthew Parker

C: Dylan Roberton, Ben Long, Logan Austin, Darragh Joyce, Ben Paton

C-: Nil

Developing*: Jade Gresham, Hunter Clark, Ed Phillips, Nick Coffield, Max King

Developing: Oscar Clavarino, Doulton Langlands, Jack Bytel, Sam Alabakis, Jack Mayo

Please note: Developing* refers to players aged 21 or under with the talent and potential to become A or B-grade players.

DRAFT STRATEGY

The Saints are unlikely to have a big hand at the draft this year given how active they will be in the trade period. With the anticipated later selections they’ll have, I’d be targeting specific needs — classy midfielders who are good decision makers. Fortunately this draft is strong in this area.

CRYSTAL BALL

St Kilda can play finals next year as the additions of Hill, Jones and Ryder will elevate the potential in this list. Bringing in those three will improve the list overall despite the possible loss of Bruce and Steven. They should be in the 6-10 range in terms of ladder position.