Destination Moorabbin? The St Kilda Saints are making waves in the AFL with an aggressive approach to list management, sparking both excitement and concern among fans and analysts alike. The club has embarked on a $22 million spending spree, securing high-profile free agents like Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, with more potentially on the way. But as the Saints aim to end a 59-year premiership drought, questions linger about whether this is the right time for such a bold strategy.
St Kilda’s recent acquisitions are part of a broader effort to shake off years of underperformance in the trade market. Despite the buzz, some cautionary tales from the past suggest that such aggressive tactics could backfire. The Saints’ current strategy feels reminiscent of previous attempts by other clubs that failed to yield long-term success.
A History of Aggressive Trades
The Saints’ current strategy echoes their 2019 off-season, when they brought in players like Dan Butler and Brad Hill, only to see limited success. Similarly, Essendon’s 2017 acquisitions, including Adam Saad and Devon Smith, and Fremantle’s 2018 spree, which included Jesse Hogan and Rory Lobb, failed to propel these teams to the top. These examples highlight the risks of topping up with multiple B-grade players without a solid foundation.
However, not all such strategies have failed. Collingwood’s successful 2023 premiership season was partly due to strategic acquisitions, although they were already a strong team coming off a preliminary final. The difference lies in the readiness of the core team and the strategic fit of the new recruits.
Expert Opinions and Strategic Considerations
According to Saints great Leigh Montagna, the key to St Kilda’s success lies in the strategic integration of new talent with their existing young core. Montagna believes the club is in a better position now, having built a foundation of young talent from the draft, unlike previous attempts. He emphasizes the importance of being aggressive in free agency and trade to remain 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.
Montagna also downplays concerns about salary cap issues, suggesting that managing the cap is more about strategic allocation than rigid hierarchies.
“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.
Potential Risks and Rewards
The Saints’ strategy is not without its risks. The financial commitments to new recruits could cause unrest among existing players, and the pressure to deliver results is immense. Yet, the potential rewards are significant. A successful integration of new talent could elevate the Saints to a competitive level, attracting more high-profile players and solidifying their status as a destination club.
St Kilda’s approach mirrors successful strategies by clubs like Brisbane and Gold Coast, which have transformed themselves into attractive destinations through strategic player acquisitions. The Saints hope to replicate this success, leveraging increased player movement in drafts and free agency to accelerate their rebuild.
The Road Ahead
As St Kilda looks to the future, the next two years are crucial. With key players like Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera on short-term deals, the club must demonstrate tangible improvement to retain talent and maintain momentum. The Saints’ bold strategy is a gamble, but one that could set them on the path to long-term success if executed correctly.
Ultimately, the Saints’ aggressive trade strategy is about more than immediate success. It’s about sending a message to fans and players that the club is serious about contending. While the risks are real, the potential for a brighter future makes this a gamble worth taking.
