St Kilda recruit Sam Flanders has opened up on his decision to leave Gold Coast in favour of a return to Victoria, and the likely role he'll assume under Ross Lyon in 2026.
The Saints parted with Pick 7 of the AFL Draft to the Suns in exchange for the Fish Creek product, who played 89 games for the Queensland club after being a first-round pick just over six years ago.
Flanders, who was under contract, wasn't short of suitors as he weighed up a decision on his future at the end of last year, with Carlton, Melbourne and Essendon also keen on the versatile ball winner.
The Saints' "environment and family feel" presented as a point of difference in their approach to Flanders, with the club calling on its players in its pitch, which made Flanders "feel more special".
"I met with a couple of clubs, had a couple of dinners," Flanders told the Unpluggered Podcast.
"Straight away, the vibe I got from the Saints was very welcoming. Some of the players came along to the dinners, which made me feel more special compared to the other clubs.
"The environment and family feel is what stood out the most for me. Ultimately, it wasn't an easy decision. Six years up on the Gold Coast, a lot of mates who become your family."
As part of St Kilda's pitch was the role Flanders would be afforded, having been starved of midfield opportunities in 2025 after a breakout campaign in the engine room, the year prior.
The Saints' midfield group, led by line coach - and club great Robert Harvey - underwent its own change over the off-season, with captain Jack Steele departing for Melbourne.
With Flanders' Moorabbin arrival and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera's expected full-time move into midfield, Lyon's on-ball brigade will head into an exciting new direction.
The likes of Jack Macrae, Marcus Windhager, Max Hall, Mattaes Phillipou and Hugo Garcia add to that group, with Flanders well aware his midfield spot is no certainty.
"That's definitely in the plan," Flanders said of his midfield role.
"It's hard to promise things, and I'm well aware of that. But there's two ends of the bargain; for Ross and 'Harvs' to give me the opportunity, and for me to go out and take it.
"That role is there for me, and I have to go out and earn it."
The next stage in the evolution of St Kilda's midfield could see Flanders becoming a player who pitches to rival talent, with Port Adelaide free agent Zak Butters set to be a target for Victorian clubs in 2026.
Having been spotted in conversation with the Power hard-nut over the off-season, Flanders said he was 'in the ear' of the in-demand superstar.
"I was in his ear, 100 per cent," Flanders laughed.
"We'll see what he does. I think there are a few other clubs in his ear as well, but that would be nice."
Flanders' maiden stint in the red, white and black is expected to come against his former club in a match simulation session on February 19 at Carrara. The Saints will take on Essendon for their Community Series clash nine days later in preparation for an Opening Round bout with Collingwood next month.
Watch the full chat with Sam Flanders on the Unpluggered YouTube or listen to the Unpluggered Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
