In a nutshell

It was disappointing St Kilda didn't improve more. The list lacks foot skills through the middle but that's not a great excuse for inconsistency, with seven losses by at least 38 points. In such a tight competition, being marginally better probably would have seen the 11th-placed Saints make finals.

Have your say: Give your season verdict on the Saints using the form at the bottom of this article.

What we said in the pre-season  

The pass mark was tipped at 11 wins, and while the Saints hit that, it was the manner of their defeats that would have frustrated fans. Jack Billings was predicted to deliver, and he did, although a player with his talent was likely to come good eventually.

What worked 

Midfield depth improved. Jack Steele and Koby Stevens proved valuable additions, helping cater for the loss of injured onballer David Armitage, while Seb Ross took the next step to become a star. The defence looked more sturdy with the additions of Nathan Brown and Jake Carlisle.

What failed

Some of the goalkicking misses were terrible, with precise field kicks Jack Billings and Josh Bruce among the many Saints to miss chances. Too often, players went missing at important times, such as the first quarter against Melbourne in round 21.

Overall rating: D

An 11-win season might have been acceptable in other circumstances, but considering the injury list wasn't too bad and the Saints were blown away on several occasions, their campaign was underwhelming.

The coach

Alan Richardson is contracted until the end of 2018 but the club has publicly stated it wanted to extend his contract. There's plenty of faith in Richardson down at Seaford, but if St Kilda doesn't make finals next season, in what will be his fifth season in charge, serious questions will need to be asked. 

Alan Richardson needs to get the Saints back in September. Picture: AFL Photos

The leaders 

Jarryn Geary has the respect of the players and his form didn't waver in his first season as captain, justifying the call to give him the mantle. Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna were restricted by injury but others seemed to step up. Leadership group members Jack Steven, Mav Weller and Josh Bruce will want to perform better next season.

MVP

Seb Ross

The left-footer wins the footy on the inside and outside and can shut opponents down. His start and finish to the season were slightly slow, but he picked up at least 30 disposals in every game from round four to round 13.

Surprise packet

Dylan Roberton

Not many knew the backman could reach the level he showed. Freed up after Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown were brought into the side, Roberton had a hot start to the season and was nominated in the Virgin Australia AFL All Australian squad.

Get excited

Jack Billings

The forward showed what he can do, leaving his imprint on several games. More accuracy in front of goal will see him take another step forward, and if he could succeed in the midfield, the Saints would probably be a better side.

Disappointment

Jack Steven

His burst from stoppage is important in a side lacking speed but too often Steven was negated. More is expected from a player who has won three of the past four best and fairests.

Jack Steven didn't have his best season. Picture: AFL Photos

Best win

Round seven: St Kilda 16.12 (108) def Greater Western Sydney 12.13 (85) at Etihad Stadium

Many would say the round 16 thumping of Richmond was better but the Tigers didn't show up that day, whereas against the Giants, the Saints' younger brigade stood up and outgunned the Giants.

Low point

Jake Carlisle personal sledge directed to Marc Murphy, about the Carlton captain's wife, was an ugly look for the club.

The big questions

Is this list good enough to deliver a flag?

There's a reasonable amount of talent there but more needs to be recruited, which the Saints are determined to do.

Will Paddy McCartin become the player expected of a No. 1 pick?

If he can overcome his concussion issues, the forward's presence, toughness and marking mean he will be a star.

Is Nathan Freeman ever going to play a game?

After his hamstrings held up during the VFL season, expect the former Collingwood midfielder to finally make his senior debut in 2018 – his fifth year.

Season in a song

Standing Still – Jewel

Premiership window

Half open: It's time to deliver

Who's done?

Retirements: Sean Dempster, Leigh Montagna, Nick Riewoldt
Delistings: Joseph Baker-Thomas, Nick Coughlan
Unsigned free agents: None

How should they approach trade and draft period?

With all their focus on Josh Kelly. The Greater Western Sydney gun would address St Kilda's problem with lacking class through the midfield and at 22, will likely hit his peak when the Saints do.

Early call for 2018

Anything less than finals would be a failure. With Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna having retired, it's time some of the younger Saints step up. 

Saints fans: what's your season verdict?

Share your views via the form below and we'll publish the best responses on Saturday, September 16. 

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Read more

• The Wash-Up: more season reviews