Joined by the Unpluggered Podcast's Darren Parkin for this week's episode of The Hitout, the boys dissected where St Kilda is at ahead of the run home to September, with the Saints six points from a Wildcard placing amid a remaining draw that won't see Ross Lyon's men leave Victoria.
Parkin believes most Saints fans would "feel like the club is in a better place" than it was 12 months ago, with clear improvements seen across the field in 2026 so far.
While strong performances haven't been reflected in the win-loss column, the Saints could make a late run for September, with five games against fellow bottom eight clubs and just two against top eight clubs to come.
"I feel, through watching the Saints this year, they actually look better. They just haven't translated that into results, and ultimately that's all that matters. If you're 6-9, you're 6-9," Parkin said on The Hitout this week.
"However, their scoring is higher. Their clearance differentials are their best in 15-17 years. Their transition from defence to attack. That all looks better, but lapses in games and inconsistencies (have cost them). They had a tough draw to start the year. It is certainly easier now. Not easy, but easier. I'd say they've improved in most places, bar the win-loss column, which matters most.
"It's been a frustrating year. It's just not progressing in the area you want it to, which is that win-loss column.
"I think if you surveyed Saints fans now compared to a year ago, they would feel like the club is in a better place. But there's a lot of clubs that would feel the same way. North Melbourne have clearly improved, Carlton are coming back into their own over the last couple of months."
