ROSS LYON
2010: 24 games, 17 wins at 70.8%
Finals: 8 games, 5 wins at 62.5%
Grand finals: 1 game, 0 wins
Career: 96 games, 64 wins at 66.6%
Lyon has the hunger to lead the Saints one better than their grand final effort last year. There was bitter disappointment following the 2009 loss, prompting the coach to deliver an emotive speech at the post-grand final function. He called on players to step up and, if they were not willing or able to accept the challenge, they could leave. Lyon led the Saints through injuries and adversities to a top-four position, which they capitalised on by defeating Geelong in the qualifying final to set up last week's preliminary final win over the Bulldogs.
12. NICK RIEWOLDT
Height: 193cm
Weight: 98kg
Born: 17/10/1982
Debut: 2001
2010: 13 games, 37 goals
Finals: 14 games, 38 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 1 goal
Career: 195 games, 435 goals
A significant hamstring tear saw Riewoldt miss 11 rounds before returning in round 15 against the Brisbane Lions. The skipper's influence cannot be underestimated as he always leads by example. His comeback has been successful, highlighted by a seven-goal haul against North Melbourne in round 20. He was influential in the opening final against Geelong and helped turn the game against the Bulldogs after half time in the preliminary final.
1. JASON GRAM
Height: 186cm
Weight: 88kg
Born: 27/4/1984
Debut: 2003
2010: 16 games, 9 goals
Finals: 9 games, 2 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 0 goals
Career: 117 games, 60 goals
The former Lion has become a reliable performer in the midfield and in defence for St Kilda. He missed six matches mid-season after undergoing groin surgery, but returned strongly in round 15 to maintain his influence in the side. His experience has been invaluable in the finals, with his ability to penetrate the forward 50. Gram was one of the best on ground in last year's grand final, beaten in a countback for the Norm Smith Medal.
4. CLINTON JONES
Height: 183cm
Weight: 83kg
Born: 2/2/1984
Debut: 2007
2010: 22 games, 5 goals
Finals: 8 games, 2 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 1 goal
Career: 72 games, 21 goals
The former rookie has established himself as one of the game's best taggers and has held his own against some of the big-name midfielders in the AFL. He faced the task of running with Geelong's Gary Ablett on grand final day last year and worked hard. His clever play and skills combined with his defensive traits have turned him into a well-rounded and respected player. Likes to get on his left foot and will run all day.
5. BEN McEVOY
Height: 200cm
Weight: 98kg
Born: 11/7/1989
Debut: 2008
2010: 18 games, 7 goals
Finals: 2 games, 1 goal
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 30 games, 10 goals
Has been given a lot more opportunities this year in the absence of Steven King and is progressing nicely. Is the future of the Saints' ruck division, with King set to retire and Michael Gardiner approaching the twilight of his career. Has impressed with his ability to control the ball at stoppages and is an accurate kick for goal. At 21, he will expend some nervous energy in his first grand final but gives the impression he is up to the task.
6. ZAC DAWSON
Height: 195cm
Weight: 93kg
Born: 22/2/1986
Debut: 2005
2010: 18 games, 1 goal
Finals: 5 games, 0 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 0 goals
Career: 55 games, 3 goal
The former Hawthorn full-back was thrown a lifeline when he joined the Saints last year. Has worked hard to rejuvenate his career and has become one of the side's premier backmen. Works solidly to negate opposition forwards and is always prepared to back his judgment. Can have his moments when he's one-on-one but doesn't lose his cool. Was outstanding in the preliminary final, keeping Bulldogs star Barry Hall to one goal.
7. LENNY HAYES
Height: 186cm
Weight: 83kg
Born: 14/1/1980
Debut: 1999
2010: 23 games, 7 goals
Finals: 13 games, 3 goals
Grand final: 1 game, 1 goal
Career: 237 games, 79 goals
The veteran midfielder took on the captaincy when Nick Riewoldt was injured, and he duly performed. His ball-winning capacity is unrivalled and he has delivered yet another consistent season. Can read the ball and control the play, particularly at stoppages, and is respected by teammates and opponents. Turned in a brilliant opening quarter in last year's grand final and will be keen to take the Saints one better this year.
10. STEVEN BAKER
Height: 179cm
Weight: 83kg
Born: 22/5/1980
Debut: 1999
2010: 13 games, 0 goals
Finals: 9 games, 3 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 0 goals
Career: 191 games, 34 goals
The defensive hard-nut hit the headlines when he was suspended for nine matches after a series of incidents involving Geelong's Steve Johnson in round 13. He was named to return for the qualifying final against the Cats but was a late withdrawal. Now the Saints face a dilemma: do they bring him back after not playing for 12 weeks or leave him out of the side again? His competitive spirit would be an advantage but he lacks match fitness.
11. LEIGH MONTAGNA
Height: 178cm
Weight: 78kg
Born: 2/11/1983
Debut: 2002
2010: 24 games, 18 goals
Finals: 11 games, 5 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 1 goal
Career: 146 games, 87 goals
Another standout season from the All Australian midfielder has cemented his place among the AFL's elite players. His creativity through the middle is outstanding, allowing him to be the link via the centre corridor. His intensity at the ball, especially at stoppages, has seen the 27-year-old rise to prominence in a successful St Kilda side. Tried hard in last year's grand final and will be keen to go one better this year.
13. ADAM SCHNEIDER
Height: 175cm
Weight: 78kg
Born: 12/5/1984
Debut: 2003
2010: 23 games, 38 goals
Finals: 20 games, 20 goals
Grand finals: 3 games, 4 goals
Career: 164 games, 199 goals
The small forward continued his improvement this year after a disappointing loss in the 2009 grand final. A premiership player at the Sydney Swans, his pressure on opponents has been his strength and he can be dangerous anywhere inside the 50m arc. His work at ground level is imperative for St Kilda's success, as is the need to finish his work, which he didn't do this time 12 months ago. A key player to the Saints' chances.
14. JARRYN GEARY
Height: 183cm
Weight: 82kg
Born: 23/6/1988
Debut: 2008
2010: 19 games, 4 goals
Finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 44 games, 11 goals
The hard-working midfielder had virtually found himself a permanent spot in St Kilda's set-up in the home and away season but lost his place in the finals. Remains on the fringe for the second successive season - he was an emergency in last year's grand final and was an emergency in this year's qualifying and preliminary finals. Is a versatile type and can play across half-back, adding flexibility to the Saints' defence.
15. MICHAEL GARDINER
Height: 199cm
Weight: 105kg
Born: 5/7/1979
Debut: 1997
2010: 21 games, 10 goals
Finals: 14 games, 9 goals
Grand finals: 2 games, 0 goals
Career: 179 games, 110 goals
The former Eagle has become St Kilda's primary ruck option in 2010, playing a key part at stoppages and up forward. His big contested grab against Geelong in round 14 last year helped stamp his authority on marking contests and seemed to revitalise his career. Played a vital role on grand final day in 2009 and has continued to impress this year as he creates opportunities all over the ground. His duel with Darren Jolly will be pivotal.
18. BRENDON GODDARD
Height: 189cm
Weight: 94kg
Born: 20/5/1985
Debut: 2003
2010: 23 games, 21 goals
Finals: 13 games, 4 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 1 goal
Career: 160 games, 76 goals
The star midfielder has asserted his influence all through the season. Has provided spark for the Saints in the middle and showed his match-winning qualities on more than one occasion. The All Australian is strong in attack and defence, allowing the Saints to move him around the ground as required. His courage is unquestioned after last year's grand final when he played on despite suffering a broken nose and collarbone.
19. SAM GILBERT
Height: 194cm
Weight: 90kg
Born: 19/8/1986
Debut: 2006
2010: 24 games, 1 goal
Finals: 8 games, 0 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 0 goals
Career: 85 games, 13 goals
Has become a key figure in the Saints' back six over the past four seasons. Able to move the ball from the backline and provide run through the centre which has helped his midfield and lead-up forwards significantly. The 24-year-old is a strong mark and possesses strength and agility that allows him to negate opposition forwards. Likes to get on his left foot and has increased his output in 2010, averaging almost 23 disposals a game.
22. FARREN RAY
Height: 187cm
Weight: 84kg
Born: 23/3/1986
Debut: 2004
2010: 23 games, 4 goals
Finals: 8 games, 2 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 0 goals
Career: 123 games, 41 goals
After being traded by the Western Bulldogs at the end of 2008, Ray played every game in 2009, including the grand final, and has missed just one match in 2010. He has become an important player in St Kilda's midfield structure and will be crucial if he can find space. Uses the ball well and averaged 20 disposals and finished in the top five for marks for the Saints in the home and away season (125) and was sixth in tackles (82).
23. JUSTIN KOSCHITZKE
Height: 197cm
Weight: 96kg
Born: 20/9/1982
Debut: 2001
2010: 19 games, 28 goals
Finals: 12 games, 12 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 1 goal
Career: 161 games, 199 goals
The big man missed five games this year, through injury and an early season three-week suspension. Returned to be a key figure up forward in Nick Riewoldt's absence but did not have quite the same impact when the skipper returned from injury. His sheer strength allows him to counteract opponents quickly and he is dangerous in front of goal. Can also be used in ruck contests, allowing the Saints to make full use of his versatility.
24. SEAN DEMPSTER
Height: 191cm
Weight: 85kg
Born: 20/1/1984
Debut: 2005
2010: 12 games, 1 goal
Finals: 11 games, 2 goals
Grand finals: 3 games, 1 goal
Career: 94 games, 15 goals
The former Swan has battled injuries in the past few years, tearing his anterior cruciate ligament late in 2008 and managing just 21 games since. He missed most of the 2009 season but was recalled for the grand final where he had little impact. His experience at this time of the year will be invaluable as he prepares for his fourth grand final - he played two with the Sydney Swans and is shaping up for his second with the Saints. Can be used as a tagger.
25. SAM FISHER
Height: 191cm
Weight: 95kg
Born: 10/7/1982
Debut: 2004
2010: 22 games, 5 goals
Finals: 10 games, 3 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 0 goals
Career: 142 games, 18 goals
One of the AFL's best rebounding defenders and will be a key to the Saints' chances. His run from defence is crucial but he also has the brute strength to negate opponents. His ball use is creative and he can move up the ground. The 28-year-old has been a durable performer since making his debut in 2004. Finished fourth for marks (158) in the AFL in the home and away season.
26. NICK DAL SANTO
Height: 185cm
Weight: 86kg
Born: 22/2/1984
Debut: 2002
2010: 23 games, 15 goals
Finals: 14 games, 5 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 0 goals
Career: 191 games, 103 goals
Together with Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna and Brendon Goddard, he forms one of the best midfields in the AFL. Is important to the structure because he can free-wheel and has the ability to move the ball and execute with his effective kicking. Works to create opportunity and run through the corridor, while also setting up scoring chances. Played under duress in the second half last week but will be ready to take on the crucial midfield battle.
27. JASON BLAKE
Height: 189cm
Weight: 90kg
Born: 15/3/1981
Debut: 2000
2010: 24 games, 0 goals
Finals: 13 games, 1 goal
Grand finals: 1 game, 0 goals
Career: 185 games, 33 goals
Underrated defender who continues to play a pivotal role in his 11th season at the club. Is known for his endurance and is willing to adapt his role from one-on-one defending to running off his opponent. Works well with fellow defenders Sam Fisher and Sam Gilbert and all three finished in the top five for marks in the AFL this year. Will have an important match-up but will be better for the experience of last year's grand final.
28. RHYS STANLEY
Height: 200cm
Weight: 94kg
Born: 1/2/1990
Debut: 2010
2010: 7 games, 4 goals
Finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 7 games, 4 goals
Agile young big man who made an impression in the middle of the year. Made his debut in round nine and was given the chance to show his wares as a key forward and back-up ruckman. Played six games in succession before skipper Nick Riewoldt returned from injury and was given another game in round 20 against North Melbourne. Unlikely to grab a place at this stage but might be keen to defend his 2009 grand final sprint title.
30. BRETT PEAKE
Height: 186cm
Weight: 86kg
Born: 5/7/1983
Debut: 2005
2010: 21 games, 10 goals
Finals: 5 games, 2 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 96 games, 52 goals
After five seasons with Fremantle, Peake made the move to St Kilda at the end of 2009. His transition has been seamless, and he has fitted in well in the Saints' midfield structure. Peake's agility has allowed him to move forward at times and he is effective in front of goal. Kicked three goals in the Saints' runaway win over North Melbourne in round two and his pace caught Geelong flat-footed in the qualifying final. Will be keen to perform well.
32. ANDREW McQUALTER
Height: 179cm
Weight: 79kg
Born: 9/6/1986
Debut: 2005
2010: 23 games, 8 goals
Finals: 8 games, 4 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 0 goals
Career: 82 games, 37 goals
Delisted by the Saints three years ago, McQualter has returned with a vengeance and has established himself in St Kilda's forward set-up. Regularly kicks goals and is one of the team leaders in scoring assists. Has become an important part of the Saints' forward pressure strategy, laying plenty of tackles (84 in the home and away season) and winning plenty of contested ball. Had 14 disposals and seven tackles in last year's grand final.
33. JAMES GWILT
Height: 188cm
Weight: 93kg
Born: 11/8/1986
Debut: 2005
2010: 24 games, 5 goals
Finals: 7 games, 3 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 65 games, 19 goals
A versatile and improving defender who has found himself a permanent position in St Kilda's back six, using his pace to create run off half-back and generate play. His tackling has become one of his assets, along with his speed and kicking. Had a breakout game against Geelong in round 13 this year when he helped hold the Cats goalless in the second half. Another of the Saints' quiet achievers, Gwilt was an emergency in last year's grand final.
40. ROBERT EDDY
Height: 182cm
Weight: 83kg
Born: 7/1/1988
Debut: 2008
2010: 8 games, 3 goals
Finals: 7 games, 0 goals
Grand finals: 0 games, 0 goals
Career: 31 games, 10 goals
The 22-year-old was the hard luck story of 2009 after being dropped for the grand final. Played in the qualifying and preliminary finals but lost his spot to Sean Dempster. Has struggled for regular selection in 2010, managing just seven games, but fought his way back to play in the Saints' two finals. The tough midfielder was recruited as a rookie and elevated in 2008. Not flashy or stylish, but is effective.
44. STEPHEN MILNE
Height: 176cm
Weight: 85kg
Born: 08/3/1980
Debut: 2001
2010: 23 games, 53 goals
Finals: 13 games, 20 goals
Grand finals: 1 game, 0 goals
Career: 211 games, 430 goals
The small forward has increased his work rate this year and, more importantly, is having an influence in big games. Tore Geelong apart with a devastating three-goal burst in the second quarter of the qualifying final and was at his cheeky best against the Bulldogs in the preliminary final. Will be keen to continue that form and make amends for a poor showing in last year's grand final. Is capable of turning a game in a few minutes.
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