Destination Moorabbin? The St Kilda Saints are making waves with a bold and aggressive approach to their list management, raising eyebrows across the AFL community. With a spending spree that has linked them to numerous trade and free agency targets, the Saints are clearly not holding back. But is this the right time for such a splurge?
Under the leadership of Ross Lyon, the Saints have already secured free agents Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, with Leek Aleer and Liam Ryan expected to join the ranks. This marks a significant shift for a club that has often missed out on high-profile acquisitions in the past. Despite these additions not being considered A-grade players at this stage in their careers, the Saints are betting on future potential.
The Strategy Behind the Spending
The Saints’ aggressive recruitment strategy is reminiscent of a real estate investor buying properties above market value, hoping for a future appreciation. The club’s fans, who have endured a 59-year premiership drought, are applauding the boldness of the move. It sends a strong message of hope and ambition, much like the signing of Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera did previously.
However, history suggests caution. Middle-of-the-road clubs that have topped up with multiple B-grade players in one off-season without being ready to contend often find themselves in AFL purgatory. The Saints’ own history offers a cautionary tale. In the 2019 off-season, they brought in several experienced players but failed to make a significant leap, winning just one final.
Learning from the Past
Other clubs have faced similar challenges. Essendon, for example, acquired several players in the 2017 off-season, but the results have been mixed. Fremantle’s 2018 acquisitions didn’t prevent Ross Lyon’s departure the following year. These examples highlight the risks associated with aggressive recruitment without a solid foundation.
Yet, there are success stories. Collingwood’s strategic acquisitions ahead of their 2023 premiership season paid off, but they were already a strong team coming off a preliminary final. The Saints, by contrast, are starting from a less advantageous position.
Expert Opinions and Future Implications
Saints great Leigh Montagna offers a nuanced perspective. He suggests that the current strategy is more strategic, complementing a young core of talent from the draft. Montagna argues that in a competitive league, relying solely on natural improvement and drafts is insufficient. Clubs must leverage free agency and trades to stay competitive.
“Only time will tell if it works at St Kilda. No doubt when they tried it a few years ago, it didn’t work,” Montagna told foxfooty.com.au.
The key lies in whether the core of the team is ready to step up and if the new recruits fill the necessary gaps. While De Koning, Silvagni, and Ryan have potential, their consistency and injury history raise questions. Additionally, the financial implications of such moves, with an estimated $22 million spent, could lead to unrest among existing players.
Montagna believes the salary cap concerns are often misunderstood, emphasizing the need for strategic risk-taking to assemble a competitive team capable of consistently reaching the top four. The ultimate goal is to create a list that can contend for a premiership, even if it means navigating salary cap challenges.
The Road Ahead for St Kilda
St Kilda’s strategy is not just about immediate success but also about positioning the club as an attractive destination for future talent. The rise of clubs like Brisbane and Gold Coast, which have become destination clubs, underscores the potential benefits of such a strategy.
The Saints aim to avoid being in the same position five years from now, hoping that their bold moves will set them on a trajectory toward a premiership. While they are likely to be a better team next year, the ultimate measure of success will be how much closer they are to winning a flag.
This approach is about more than just winning; it’s about making a statement and showing commitment to success. As Montagna notes, “You’ve got to commend them for giving it a crack.” Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but the Saints are undoubtedly making their intentions clear.
