Coach: Ross Lyon
Captain: Nick Riewoldt
Finished 2009: 2nd (22 wins, three losses)
Best and fairest: Nick Riewoldt
Leading goalkicker: Nick Riewoldt (78 goals)
Leading possession winner: Leigh Montagna (594)
NEW PERSONNEL
On-field: Andrew Lovett, Brett Peake (exchange period), Nick Winmar, Will Johnson, Adam Pattison, Jesse Smith (NAB AFL Draft), Daniel Archer, Mark Hutchings, Tommy Walsh (NAB AFL Rookie Draft)
Off-field: Brian Royal (development coach)
BEST 22
B: Steven Baker, Zac Dawson, Jason Blake
HB: Farren Ray, Sam Fisher, Sam Gilbert
C: Jason Gram, Leigh Montagna, David Armitage
HF: Brendon Goddard, Nick Riewoldt, Nick Dal Santo
F: Adam Schneider, Justin Koschitzke, Stephen Milne
Foll: Michael Gardiner, Lenny Hayes, Clint Jones
I/C: Brett Peake, Andrew McQualter, Steven King, Rhys Stanley
MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER
It is hard to think of a player in the AFL more important to his side than Nick Riewoldt. He is the main target up forward and his size and endurance make him an almost impossible match-up. At 27 he is at the peak of his career and the Saints need him on the field for as many minutes as possible.
UP AND COMER
With just 19 matches in his first three years, David Armitage is yet to cement his spot in the Saints side. But an impressive NAB Cup and the departure of Luke Ball means he has a chance to step up to be a regular senior player. Fellow young midfielders Jack Steven and Alistair Smith are also pushing for spots but Armitage is ahead for now.
NEEDS A BIG YEAR
Changing clubs has given Jesse Smith a new opportunity but he comes across with a long history of injury problems. He has spent his first pre-season at his new club in the rehab group and only has a short time to prove himself.
CHANGING TACK
The Saints probably won’t change much of the game plan that only lost them three games last year but there might be a few positional moves. Brendon Goddard and Nick Dal Santo may be headed for more time across half-forward while Adam Schneider is as fit as he has been since crossing from the Swans and may be set for time in the midfield if the NAB Cup is anything to go by.
INJURY LIST
Raphael Clarke (hamstring) - TBA
Robert Eddy (ankle) - TBA
Lenny Hayes (corked calf) - TBA
Jesse Smith (ankle) - TBA
Jack Steven (foot) - 2-3 weeks
WHAT THE CLUB SAYS
“We certainly believe there is less apprehension about what we’re doing. Confidence comes out of actions and we’ve got a really strong confidence, as Geelong would and Hawthorn would about their game styles. It has been easier to identify the areas we need to improve and it has been probably less areas but we can see them improving on a daily and weekly basis.” - coach Ross Lyon.
CRYSTAL BALL
Anything less than a flag would be a considered a failure for the Saints. It hasn’t been the greatest off-season with the dramas surrounding Andrew Lovett and to a lesser extent Luke Ball. But the side still looks to be one of the strongest in the competition. The Saints only play one 2009 finalist in the first five weeks so they should be able to get off to a strong start. A top two position seems likely.
SEASON OPENER
March 27 v Sydney Swans at ANZ Stadium.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
