Paid little mind and predicted to finish bottom six by most, even bottom four by a few, St Kilda had few fans entering the 2023 season. How surprising it was then when they spent the entire season in the top eight.
With 'Ross the Boss' back at the helm, they featured in finals for just the second time since 2011, though they bowed out in week one after coming up against a far superior GWS outfit.
That being said, not much went right for the Saints leading into 2023. It's easy to forget they started the season without any key forwards available. Max King, Tim Membrey and Jack Hayes all suffering significant injuries in the pre-season.
It was their emerging young talent and makeshift forward line that captured the hearts of the Saints' faithful, winning plenty of admirers for their desire, dare and competitiveness.
While they had plenty of heart, they lacked polish, star power and the ability to score heavily and as a result, were found out in finals.
Knowing what they need going forward, the Saints targeted the draft heavily, taking five players, before taking ex-Port Adelaide defender Riley Bonner in the rookie draft.
The players they picked were largely running machines with leg speed, signalling Ross Lyon's intent to ensure the Saints are one of the hardest gut-running teams in the AFL.
Going into 2024, they also need a clean bill of health for Max King, and Jack Steele to get back to his best after a tough two years with injury. In fact, they'd just love to have most of their players available for Round 1, something they haven't had for two years.
They'd also love to see continued development and improvement from Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Mitch Owens, Marcus Windhager, Mattaes Phillipou and Anthony Caminiti, with all of them crucial to the Saints' future.
Darcy Wilson forcing his way into the side nice and early to provide extra run on the outside and aid the likes of Jack Sinclair, Mason Wood and Bradley Hill out on the wings, would be a big bonus.
The Saints are in an interesting position, they're a candidate to slide back down the ladder so can't afford to rest on their laurels, not that Ross Lyon is likely to let them.
Here's how we think the Saints line up in 2024...
BEST 23s:ADELAIDE, BRISBANE, CARLTON, COLLINGWOOD, ESSENDON, FREMANTLE, GEELONG, GOLD COAST, GWS, HAWTHORN, MELBOURNE, NORTH MELBOURNE, PORT ADELAIDE, RICHMOND
3. Forwards
The forward line is perhaps the easiest to pick for the Saints out of all three sections of the ground, given they don't appear to have too many new or different options to what they are currently operating with.
Dan Butler and Jack Higgins pick themselves as the small pressure forwards, though more will be expected of them on the scoreboard in 2024 if the Saints are to truly ever be a contender.
Liam Henry will also likely spend large periods of time in the forward line, his skill and agility is something the Saints are craving to have in the mix.
A fully fit Jack Hayes would be a welcome boost for the club, given his ability to crash packs, kick goals and pinch hit in the ruck, his aggression and power would ease the pressure on Max King.
As for King, he will be hoping that his shoulder, now fully reconstructed, is healed and ready to carry a big load in 2024. The Saints are at their best when he is firing, there is no doubting he has talent, he must now find consistency.
The AFL world will also be hopeful of a Tim Membrey return, the popular forward is crucial to the way this forward line operates and when fully fit, he complements King nicely while also able to hit the scoreboard.
Similarly, Cooper Sharman is able to operate as a foil for King and adds a different dimension to this forward line. His ability to take a big pack mark, as well as his accuracy in front of goal make him a valuable asset.
Finally, rising star Mattaes Phillipou will look to take his game up a notch or two in 2024. He is clearly driven, intent on succeeding at AFL level and is not short on confidence. The challenge for him now is deliver more than flashes of brilliance and really start to impact games more consistently.
There's no doubting the Saints' forward line is capable, however they are currently one of the AFL's lowest-scoring teams. They will likely need to change things up a bit in 2024 if they are to play finals again.
