What worked
- Josh Bruce as a forward. The ex-Greater Western Sydney defender took over from Nick Riewoldt as leading goal-kicker. With his endurance base and strong contested marking, Bruce has shown he'll be important in years to come.

- Overcame mental demons. Heavy losses in rounds three and four led to a player meeting that instigated a mindset change for the youngsters. They fought harder, for longer, in more games after that.

- David Armitage stepped up. He needed to, after Lenny Hayes' retirement. A pre-season challenge by the coach saw Armitage shed weight and take his game to another level, as both a player and leader.

What failed
- The Saints were still prone to big losses. Four by more than 63 points, an additional six by more than 35. When their skills fell apart and they couldn't cope with pressure, things got ugly.

- Alan Richardson's men struggled with consistency. As is usually the case with young teams, they battled to put in four-quarter efforts, even when they won.

- The New Zealand experiment. The Saints lost their third contest in Wellington in front of a crowd of just 12,125 spectators, which was the smallest attendance since games at Westpac Stadium were introduced in 2013.

What we said in the pre-season
They'd have a good year if the second-year players kept improving, Riewoldt stayed fit and their backline stayed intact.

Overall rating
7/10. Improved their team defence, found the answer to life after Riewoldt, and exceeded the expectations of many with not only the number of wins but also the manner in which they fought out games, even when inconsistencies in earlier quarters made it look as though the result was determined.

The fans' rating

The coach
Alan Richardson had a good year. Kept the faith with his attacking and aggressive game style and clearly backed his players in, particularly the younger ones with six debutants introduced prior to round 23. Was rewarded for his work so far with a two-year contract extension in July, which locks him in until the end of 2018.

MVP
David Armitage: Led the team in many key areas, including disposals, contested possessions, effective disposals and clearances, and was second in tackles. He was rewarded with a three-year contract extension mid-year, and should win his first club best and fairest after surprising even some of his teammates with his improvement.

Surprise packet
Jack Sinclair: Was promoted for round one after impressing in the pre-season, and was given a two-year contract extension in June after being forced back onto the rookie list when he was the club's second highest goal-kicker. Ended up elevated again and played 17 games (to date) in a highly impressive first year.

Get excited
Jason Holmes: The buzz surrounding the round 21 debut of the first US-born and raised player was hard to miss, and the former college basketballer didn't waste his chance with 34 hit-outs against Geelong. It's been a remarkable effort for someone introduced to the game two years ago, and there's more to come in this story yet.

David Armitage was a leading contender for the AFL's most improved player in 2015. Picture: AFL Media

Disappointment
Spencer White: The highly-touted forward missed games mid-season with an ankle injury, spent some time in the development league, and largely didn't set the world on fire before suffering a season-ending fibula fracture late in the year. Out of contract, he may not get another chance after failing to dislodge any of the Saints' other goal-kickers.

Best win: Seven-point win over the Western Bulldogs, round six, Etihad Stadium.
Round 14's 110-point win over Essendon was the biggest but this seven-point win was the best. The Saints fought back from 55 points down to record the equal fifth-highest comeback in AFL/VFL history.

Low point
Losses to Port Adelaide, Fremantle and North Melbourne in consecutive weeks between rounds 18 and 20 made it look like the season couldn't end fast enough for the young team, before a 97-point shocker against the Sydney Swans in round 22.

The big questions
- Can the Saints land a outside midfielder?
Have been linked to James Aish, Lewis Jetta and Harley Bennell, although the second two are less likely. Outside speed would complement their established inside midfield.

- Could Jake Carlisle move to Seaford?
They could do with an extra defender with uncertainty on Sam Fisher, and Hugh Goddard and Luke Delaney developing. They're keen on Carlisle – can they get it done?

- Will Riewoldt remain captain? 
He's always said he'll do it as long as they want him to, but there could be merit in him handing it over while he's still playing, potentially to Armitage.  

Season in a song
The Kids are Alright, The Who

Who's done?
Retirements: Adam Schneider has hung up the boots after a successful year as a mature-aged rookie where he not only exceeded expectations to play 15 games but filled an important mentoring role. It's not yet decided if Sam Fisher will play into a 13th season after a year where he finally got his body right.

Delistings: Spencer White was disappointing and is out of contract, Daniel Markworth did well to get back from shoulder surgery that looked to have ended his year in March but hasn't made it past senior team emergency status, and Tom Simpkin couldn't get a game for the third year in a row.

Trades/free agents: Tom Simpkin may have value elsewhere while Luke Delaney spent the second half of the season in the VFL and could consider his future if the Saints are successful in landing Carlisle. Sam Fisher and Sam Gilbert are their only free agents and it's hard to see them going to another club.

What they need
Some outside leg speed would help while a key defender to bolster the backline as Goddard develops would also strengthen their list. They've got plenty of forwards, big and small, their ruck stocks are healthy and they've got some depth as far as midfield grunt is concerned.

Premiership clock – 6pm
Six o'clock. There's still plenty of work to be done but the list is coming together and the foundation of a solid game plan has been laid, with the players well on board.

Early call: 11th-14th
They'll aim to at least replicate the feats of this season. With a fit Jack Billings, Bruce with a full year of full forward under his belt and Luke Dunstan over the second-year blues, there should be more wins coming.