Destination Moorabbin? It appears that St Kilda Football Club is leaving nothing to chance with its aggressive list management strategy. The Saints have embarked on a significant spending spree, raising eyebrows across the AFL community. But is this the right time for such a bold move?
St Kilda has already secured free agents Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, with Leek Aleer and Liam Ryan expected to follow. Sam Flanders is also a potential addition. This flurry of activity comes after years of missing out on marquee players, and while none of these new recruits are considered A-grade stars, they represent a significant investment in the club’s future.
However, the Saints’ strategy is reminiscent of a previous attempt to bolster their ranks, which ultimately fell short. In the 2019 off-season, St Kilda acquired several experienced players, including Dan Butler and Brad Hill, but the team failed to make a substantial impact, winning just one final. This raises questions about whether the current approach will lead to success or another cycle of disappointment.
Historical Context and Cautionary Tales
The Saints’ current strategy is not without precedent. The Essendon Football Club, for example, made a similar move in the 2017 off-season by acquiring players like Adam Saad and Devon Smith. Yet, this approach did not yield the desired results, leading to coaching changes and a reevaluation of their strategy.
Similarly, Fremantle’s 2018 acquisitions, including Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb, did not prevent the departure of coach Ross Lyon after a disappointing 2019 season. These examples serve as cautionary tales for St Kilda, highlighting the risks of relying heavily on trades and free agency without a solid foundation.
Expert Opinions on St Kilda’s Strategy
Despite the potential pitfalls, some experts believe St Kilda’s approach could be successful. Saints great Leigh Montagna told foxfooty.com.au,
“Only time will tell if it works at St Kilda. No doubt when they tried it a few years ago, it didn’t work. Maybe the difference then was they didn’t have a young core of talent from the draft pool to complement the players they’re bringing in.”
Montagna suggests that the current strategy is more strategic, with a focus on building a young core while supplementing it with targeted acquisitions. This approach could position the Saints to be more competitive in the long term, provided the recruits fill the necessary gaps in the roster.
The Role of Salary Cap Management
One of the critical challenges facing St Kilda is managing the salary cap. The club’s recent acquisitions, reportedly costing up to $22 million, have sparked concerns about potential unrest among existing players who may feel undervalued. However, Montagna believes the salary cap issue is often misunderstood.
“The salary cap is like a jigsaw puzzle, some pieces are bigger than others. It’s all about how you make the jigsaw puzzle fit,” he explained.
According to Montagna, the key is to take calculated risks to build a competitive team capable of consistently reaching the top four. This requires a delicate balance between maintaining financial flexibility and investing in talent.
Implications and Future Prospects
St Kilda’s aggressive approach could have far-reaching implications for the club’s future. By making a strong statement in the player market, the Saints aim to become an attractive destination for top talent. This strategy mirrors the success of clubs like Brisbane and Gold Coast, which have transformed into destination clubs through strategic acquisitions.
However, the ultimate measure of success will be whether St Kilda can translate these moves into on-field performance. The club’s long-suffering fans are eager for a return to premiership contention, and the next few years will be crucial in determining whether this bold strategy pays off.
In conclusion, while there are risks associated with St Kilda’s current approach, the potential rewards could be significant. The Saints are betting on their ability to build a competitive team and challenge for a premiership, and only time will tell if this gamble will lead them to the promised land.
