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THE SAINTS are on the march and the boys in the red, white and black are certainly putting their collective hands up this pre-season as a team to watch. Not only as they set their sights for the top eight, but as a relevant team in AFL Fantasy.

Former skipper Nick Riewoldt (FWD, $667,000) produced the best return of his 16-year career with an average of 110.4 in 2016. This was boosted by an epic Fantasy Grand Final performance in round 23 when he kicked nine goals to help him to a whopping score of 200. This was the highest score of the season across the competition.

With a host of players ready to take their game to the next level in an improving side, there is plenty of upside at St Kilda in 2017.

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Leigh Montagna (DEF, $592,000) has been one of St Kilda’s most prolific Fantasy scorers for the last decade. As durable as anyone, the 33-year-old has on three occasions averaged more than 110 and with DEF status for 2017, he is a sure thing to be among the best defenders come season’s end. Montagna is likely to continue to play as the 'plus one' in St Kilda’s back-half and can be a reliable set and forget member of your squad from the start.

It has been a long three seasons for Nathan Freeman (MID, $150,000) who spent two years on Collingwood’s list before heading to St Kilda a year ago. His ongoing hamstring injuries appear to be behind him as he participates in full training this pre-season. This has pleased Fantasy coaches who have earmarked the 21-year-old midfielder since he averaged 89 in the TAC Cup in 2013. Keep an eye on Freeman leading up to round one.

With many of 2016’s premium dual position players stripped of their FWD status, Jack Billings (MID/FWD, $479,000) could knock on the door of being a top options in the season ahead. With a handful of Fantasy tons to his name from his first 31 games, Billings has demonstrated the ability he can find the ball. In his two VFL games he collected 28 and 45 disposals for a total of 258 Fantasy points.

The Saints went hard during trade period and picked up players who can walk into the 22 and make an instant impact. Jack Steele (MID/FWD, $432,000) came across from the Giants after 17 games in two seasons. A NEAFL average of 156 this year from 10 games (119 from 11 in 2015), Steele has proven that he can find the ball despite his highest disposal count being 21 at senior level.

Koby Stevens (MID/FWD, $517,000) is also new to the club. The former Bulldog will be among the top scoring forwards.

Hailing from the Northern Territory, Ben Long (DEF/FWD, $202,000) appealed to the Saints for his pace and his ability to play as a half-forward or half-back. In 2016, Long played seven VFL matches for Footscray averaging 78 Fantasy points. A highlight of his season was kicking six goals in his side's preliminary final win. Long went on to play in the premiership, kicking two goals.

Was 2015 a blip on the radar for David Armitage (MID, $518,000)? A career high average of 107 from 21 games wasn't replicated last season, dropping his average 21 points to 86. The durable midfielder has only twice averaged more than 90 Fantasy points in a 10-year career, but if he can get back to his best, Armitage will be a bargain buy in Classic and he could pay off as a late round steal in your Draft league.

Did you know Nathan Brown (DEF, $271,000) enjoyed his best Fantasy return last year? The 28-year-old averaged 44.3 eclipsing the 43 he averaged in 2015. Some Fantasy coaches might like to think a new home may provide increased opportunity and, in turn, increased Fantasy production. In Brown’s case, he will be more than serviceable, but not when it comes to Fantasy points. Avoid.

St Kilda positions and prices for 2017

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