ARRIVALS: Blake Acres, Jack Billings, Josh Bruce, Luke Delaney, Luke Dunstan, Jason Holmes, Billy Longer, Shane Savage, Eli Templeton, Maverick Weller
DEPARTURES: Jason Blake, Nick Dal Santo, Jackson Ferguson, Justin Koschitzke, Tom Ledger, Jay Lever, Ben McEvoy, Stephen Milne, Ahmed Saad, Jordan Staley
Click here for more 2014 season previews
BEST 22
B: James Gwilt, Luke Delaney, Sean Dempster
HB: Dylan Roberton, Sam Fisher, Jimmy Webster
C: Jarryn Geary, Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna
HF: Shane Savage, Nick Riewoldt, Farren Ray
F: Adam Schneider, Tom Lee, Rhys Stanley
FOLL: Tom Hickey, Jack Steven, David Armitage
INT: Jack Newnes, Tom Curren, Nathan Wright
SUB: Seb Ross
MEDICAL ROOM
Blake Acres, foot - 2-3 weeks
Sam Fisher, back - 1-2 weeks
Sam Gilbert (foot) - 2-3 weeks
Lewis Pierce, back - 7-8 weeks
Adam Schneider, back - 4 weeks
Jack Steven, foot - 4 weeks
Check out the AFL's injury list
PASS MARK FOR 2014: The Saints will be judged on their competitiveness and ability to dig in and respond when under pressure in games. The win-loss record won't be flattering, but avoiding blowout defeats while developing their young players will be considered as a step forward.
NEEDS A BIG YEAR: Arryn Siposs was in and out of the team under Scott Watters, playing a total of 25 games in his first three seasons. A long-kicking utility with natural talent, the defensive side of his game needs attention. If he can find a better balance between attack and defence, the Saints will benefit.
FIRST FIVE GAMES: Melbourne (ES), Greater Western Sydney (ES), West Coast (PS), Adelaide (ES), Essendon (ES)
Click here to see the Saints' entire 2014 fixture
PLAY TWICE: West Coast, Adelaide, Carlton, Gold Coast Suns, Richmond
TOUGHEST RUN: Between rounds seven and 18, the Saints play eight games against finalists from last year. The remaining three games are against Gold Coast, West Coast and North Melbourne, who are all expected to climb up the ladder this year. The horror run starts against Hawthorn and ends against Fremantle.
DREAM SCENARIO: Seb Ross and Nathan Wright enjoy breakout seasons and new recruits Jack Billings, Luke Dunstan and Blake Acres show their class. The Saints are investing heavily in youth, and the sooner those players can generate excitement the better.
WORST NIGHTMARE: Early-season losses to Melbourne and GWS, a loss of confidence among the young core of players and little support for veterans Nick Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna for the majority of the season.
PRESSURE RATING ON THE COACH: 5/10. Alan Richardson has been appointed to oversee a long-term rebuild, and the blowtorch won't be applied in year one. External expectations for the Saints are low, with 2014 about setting a foundation.
Lewis Pierce, back - 7-8 weeks
Adam Schneider, back - 4 weeks
Jack Steven, foot - 4 weeks
Check out the AFL's injury list
PASS MARK FOR 2014: The Saints will be judged on their competitiveness and ability to dig in and respond when under pressure in games. The win-loss record won't be flattering, but avoiding blowout defeats while developing their young players will be considered as a step forward.
NEEDS A BIG YEAR: Arryn Siposs was in and out of the team under Scott Watters, playing a total of 25 games in his first three seasons. A long-kicking utility with natural talent, the defensive side of his game needs attention. If he can find a better balance between attack and defence, the Saints will benefit.
FIRST FIVE GAMES: Melbourne (ES), Greater Western Sydney (ES), West Coast (PS), Adelaide (ES), Essendon (ES)
Click here to see the Saints' entire 2014 fixture
PLAY TWICE: West Coast, Adelaide, Carlton, Gold Coast Suns, Richmond
TOUGHEST RUN: Between rounds seven and 18, the Saints play eight games against finalists from last year. The remaining three games are against Gold Coast, West Coast and North Melbourne, who are all expected to climb up the ladder this year. The horror run starts against Hawthorn and ends against Fremantle.
DREAM SCENARIO: Seb Ross and Nathan Wright enjoy breakout seasons and new recruits Jack Billings, Luke Dunstan and Blake Acres show their class. The Saints are investing heavily in youth, and the sooner those players can generate excitement the better.
WORST NIGHTMARE: Early-season losses to Melbourne and GWS, a loss of confidence among the young core of players and little support for veterans Nick Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes and Leigh Montagna for the majority of the season.
PRESSURE RATING ON THE COACH: 5/10. Alan Richardson has been appointed to oversee a long-term rebuild, and the blowtorch won't be applied in year one. External expectations for the Saints are low, with 2014 about setting a foundation.
