Former St Kilda senior coach (2001-2006) Grant Thomas believes the only way for St Kilda to build a premiership list in the near future is to throw out the All-Australian core of their current crop.
In an ongoing twitter feud ahead of the final round of the 2024 home & away season, Thomas shared who he would be putting up for grabs at season's end if he were operating St Kilda's list.
Veterans Jack Sinclair, Jack Steele and Tim Membrey made the cut, as did rising forward Max King, who has faced severe scrutiny this season for his perceived lack of effort in important clashes.
Thomas' idea is to gain as much draft capital as possible through these list moves, and bring in the best young talent over the next couple of seasons before Tasmania enter the equation and steal majority of the young talent beyond 2026.
I don’t see rebuild. I see it as premiership decisions. Is Steele, Membrey, Sinclair etc going to play in our next premiership……clearly no. They have currency. Get in before Tasmania and have 2 years of first round picks. Trade to clubs in the serious finals mix or on the move. https://t.co/dJbBkboB5T
— Grant Thomas (@Thomo_Grant) August 22, 2024
The logic is sound, but somewhat ridiculous, given the Saints aim to compete for September action in the next few seasons and would be scrutinised heavily as a club appearing to enter another rebuild.
Giving up all of Sinclair, Steele, King and Membrey would likely grant the Saints access to around five first-round picks and a few second-rounders, providing them the chance to build a star-studded young list around Mattaes Phillipou, Mitch Owens, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Darcy Wilson, Cooper Sharman and others.
Perhaps 28-year-old Callum Wilkie could also be thrown up, given he likely doesn't fit the age bracket of the club's next flag and given the high demand for elite key defenders in the competition.
24-year-old Max King is clearly in Ross Lyon's plans for a future flag, being a key forward with plenty of development left in his game. Though Grant Thomas has clearly lost faith in the former pick 4, criticising his poor demeanour.
His attitude and demeanour are of most concern. If Ross hasn’t been able to get rid of his sooky lala nobody will. Sends very strong message. 2 quality picks to compliment young batch. https://t.co/mbx27YdSYi
— Grant Thomas (@Thomo_Grant) August 22, 2024
Adding potentially five first-rounders to their current pick 6 for the 2024 National Draft would establish one of the more thrilling off-season's in St Kilda's history, though given their recent draft and recruiting record, there is no guarantee for success.
For now, the focus for Ross Lyon and the Saints is squarely on knocking Carlton out of the eight with a Sunday scalp at Marvel Stadium.
