St Kilda Football Club has embarked on an ambitious recruitment drive, aiming to revitalize its roster with a $22 million investment in new talent. The Saints have been linked with numerous trade and free agency targets, raising questions about the timing and potential impact of this bold strategy.
Under the leadership of Ross Lyon, St Kilda has already secured the signatures of free agents Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni, with Leek Aleer and Liam Ryan expected to follow. This aggressive approach marks a significant shift for a club that has long struggled to attract top-tier talent.
The Strategy Behind St Kilda’s Spending Spree
For years, St Kilda has been on the periphery of AFL success, often missing out on marquee players. The club’s current strategy resembles a high-stakes gamble, akin to investing heavily in real estate with the hope of future appreciation. While none of the new recruits are yet considered A-grade players, the Saints’ management hopes their collective impact will propel the team forward.
Many fans and analysts have applauded the club’s audacity, seeing it as a necessary step to end a 59-year premiership drought. The influx of new talent is also a message of hope and ambition to the club’s long-suffering supporters.
Lessons from the Past: Cautionary Tales
Historically, similar strategies have yielded mixed results. In 2019, St Kilda’s attempt to bolster its squad with players like Dan Butler and Brad Hill did not lead to sustained success. The club’s subsequent recruitment of experienced players such as Brad Crouch and James Frawley also fell short, with the team winning just one final under Brett Ratten.
Other AFL clubs have experienced similar outcomes. Essendon’s acquisition of players like Adam Saad and Devon Smith in 2017 did not translate into long-term success. Fremantle’s 2018 recruitment drive, which included Travis Colyer and Jesse Hogan, ultimately led to Ross Lyon’s departure.
“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.
Potential for Success: Strategic Comparisons
While there are cautionary tales, there are also examples of success. Collingwood’s strategic recruitment before its 2023 premiership season, which included players like Bobby Hill and Tom Mitchell, demonstrates the potential payoff of a well-executed plan. However, Collingwood was already a strong contender, unlike the rebuilding Saints.
More apt comparisons might be Hawthorn’s 2023 moves and Adelaide’s recent rise. Hawthorn’s acquisition of players like Jack Ginnivan and Jack Gunston helped kickstart a new era, while Adelaide’s strategic signings propelled them to the 2025 minor premiership.
Expert Insights: Risks and Rewards
According to Leigh Montagna, the key to St Kilda’s success lies in the readiness of its younger core and the suitability of its new recruits. The club has invested heavily in young talent through the draft and now aims to complement this with strategic acquisitions.
“I think on the whole, they have to take risks to be competitive with the other teams. With the aim of putting a list together capable of consistently being a top four team and giving yourself a chance,” Montagna explained.
Montagna also downplays concerns about the salary cap, suggesting that the club’s financial strategy is more nuanced than it appears. The real challenge will be integrating new players without disrupting the existing team dynamic.
Looking Ahead: The Future of St Kilda
St Kilda’s bold recruitment strategy could position the club as a more attractive destination for future talent. The rise of clubs like Brisbane and Gold Coast, which have successfully used similar strategies, provides a blueprint for the Saints.
Ultimately, St Kilda’s success will depend on its ability to balance immediate improvements with long-term sustainability. The club’s management hopes that this investment will not only improve the team’s performance but also set the stage for future success.
As the Saints prepare for the upcoming season, the question remains: will this ambitious gamble bring them closer to a premiership, or will it leave them in AFL purgatory? Only time will tell.
