Destination Moorabbin? The St Kilda Saints are making waves with an aggressive approach to list management, embarking on a $22 million spending spree. But is this the right time for such a bold move? The Saints have been linked to numerous trade and free agency targets, raising questions about the potential risks and rewards of their strategy.
Ross Lyon’s team has already secured free agents Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, with Leek Aleer and Liam Ryan set to follow. Sam Flanders and others might also join the ranks. After years of missing out on major market players, the Saints are finally making a splash, even if their new additions are not yet considered A-grade stars.
Historical Lessons and Strategic Risks
The Saints’ current strategy resembles a high-stakes gamble, akin to overpaying for a collection of properties in hopes they appreciate in value. While many applaud the club’s audacity, history suggests that mid-tier clubs making similar moves have often found themselves in AFL purgatory.
In 2019, the Saints brought in a slew of players like Dan Butler and Brad Hill, but the team wasn’t ready for a significant leap, winning just one final. Essendon’s acquisitions in 2017 and Fremantle’s in 2018 offer similar cautionary tales, with both clubs undergoing coaching changes shortly after their spending sprees.
“Only time will tell if it works at St Kilda. No doubt when they tried it a few years ago, it didn’t work,” Saints great Leigh Montagna told foxfooty.com.au.
Comparisons and Contrasts
There are, however, success stories. Collingwood’s acquisitions ahead of their 2023 premiership season, for instance, were effective because they already had a strong, experienced core. The Saints, by contrast, are starting from a less established position.
More apt comparisons might be Hawthorn’s 2023 moves or Adelaide’s recent success. Both clubs strategically topped up their rosters, leading to significant improvements. Port Adelaide’s 2017 off-season also serves as a positive example, as their bold moves helped them climb the ladder in subsequent years.
Expert Opinions
Montagna believes the Saints’ current strategy is more strategic, with a focus on complementing young talent from the draft pool. He argues that taking advantage of free agency and trades is essential in a competitive league.
“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,” Montagna said.
The Path Forward
The success of St Kilda’s strategy hinges on two key factors: the readiness of their young core and the fit of their new recruits. De Koning, Silvagni, and Ryan have potential but also come with injury histories. The financial implications of these moves, estimated at $22 million, could also cause unrest among current players.
Despite these challenges, Montagna believes the Saints must take risks to remain competitive. The club aims to assemble a list capable of consistently reaching the top four, with the ultimate goal of securing a premiership.
Future Implications
St Kilda’s bold strategy could make them a more attractive destination for future talent, similar to Brisbane’s recent rise. The Saints hope to follow a blueprint that leverages player movement to accelerate their rebuild, rather than relying solely on the draft.
As Montagna noted, the Saints have a two-year timeline to demonstrate their potential and retain key players like Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera. The club’s aggressive approach is a clear signal of their intent to compete at the highest level.
Ultimately, the Saints’ success will depend on whether their current moves set the club on the right trajectory. While there are risks, the potential rewards could justify the gamble. St Kilda’s strategy is not just about immediate success but about building a foundation for sustained competitiveness.
