In a nutshell
St Kilda surprised most people by coming so close to September action, with only percentage keeping the Saints out of the top eight. The older players were excellent but the younger brigade took on more responsibility.
What we said in the pre-season
All of AFL.com.au's experts predicted St Kilda to finish in the bottom six, which was in line with where most people had the Saints. The pressure and intensity the players brought could rarely be faulted and having a relatively small injury list helped their form as well.
What worked
Nick Riewoldt's move to a wing allowed Tim Membrey, Josh Bruce and Paddy McCartin to spread the goalkicking. Tom Hickey also thrived in the role of sole ruckman.
What failed
The off-season recruits weren't made with solely the short-term in mind but it was disappointing that neither Jake Carlisle nor Nathan Freeman played in the senior team. The last three interstate trips against West Coast, Adelaide and Gold Coast were a disaster.
Overall rating
B+. Performing better than expected deserves much credit but the Saints need to show they can be competitive interstate.
The coach
St Kilda went from six wins and a draw last year to 12 wins this year and with the younger players showing improvement, Alan Richardson is tracking well. The Saints will be expected to push for finals for the first time in Richardson's time at the club, so it will be interesting to see what they can deliver. Richardson is contracted until the end of 2018.
The leaders
Nick Riewoldt was phenomenal. He finished third in the best and fairest and kicked 41 goals while spending a lot of time on a wing. The bigger query is who replaces him next year. Jack Steven and Jarryn Geary are the most likely candidates but succeeding a man who has captained for 11 years could be a difficult task.
Nick Riewoldt had an outstanding season on the wing and up forward. Picture: AFL Photos
MVP
Jack Steven: he won his third best and fairest in what he believes was the finest season of his career. There were some games where he looked unstoppable.
Surprise packet
Tim Membrey: Most would have expected Josh Bruce or Nick Riewoldt to lead the club goalkicking, not the former Sydney Swan who was coming off a shoulder reconstruction and had played just 13 senior matches coming into the season. A smart operator with an accurate kick, Membrey finished with 44 goals.
Get excited
Jade Gresham: He started the season as a forward but moved into the midfield as he grew more accustomed to the pace of the game. With his hardness, elusive footwork and a nose for goal, the 19-year-old will be a star.
JADE GRESHAM! Extraordinary goal! #AFLSaintsCats #ohwhatafeeling https://t.co/oXRWRfJcOt
— AFL (@AFL) June 25, 2016
Disappointment
Nathan Freeman: Brought over from Collingwood and after three years in the AFL system, the injury-prone midfielder still hasn't played a senior game. His most recent footy was played in the thirds.
Best win
Round 14: St Kilda 14.9 (93) def Geelong 13.12 (90) @ Etihad Stadium
After a couple of close losses against Hawthorn and North Melbourne, the Saints finally claimed a scalp against the Cats. Some of the younger players – such as Seb Ross, Maverick Weller and Jade Gresham – stood up in a big game.
Low point
An 88-point smashing at the hands of Adelaide not only proved St Kilda had problems travelling, but that match also saw Hugh Goddard rupture his Achilles tendon, Paddy McCartin concussed for a second time this season and Nick Riewoldt and Sean Dempster sustain knee injuries.
The big questions
- Will Jake Carlisle show he's worth the off-field baggage and prove a valuable defender?
- Can Jack Billings become a consistent contributor?
- Will the next captain be able to stamp his authority on the team and maintain his own form?
Season in a song
How Far We've Come – Matchbox Twenty
What we say: They look promising, but there are holes in the list that need addressing.
Who's done?
Retirements: None
Delistings: Tom Curran, Luke Delaney, Brenton Payne, Josh Saunders.
Unsigned free agents: Sean Dempster, Sam Fisher.
How should they approach trade and draft period?
Aggressively, particularly with trades. St Kilda has the makings of a very good team but needs to add class to its midfield. An aging backline also requires attention.
Early call for 2017
Finals should be on the agenda after only percentage separated the Saints from the top eight.
