Essendon great Tim Watson has warned fans to not expect too much from St Kilda in 2020 despite the hype around their set of new arrivals.
Watson spoke on SEN Breakfast on Tuesday morning and addressed the excitement, suggesting fans should contain their expectations after the Saints recruiting coup, including Bradley Hill from Fremantle and Paddy Ryder from Port Adelaide.
"Everybody has been waxing lyrically (sic) about how well St Kilda did in the trade period," Watson said.
“Brad Hill finished third in Freo’s best and fairest. Dougal Howard … didn’t finish anywhere, Paddy Ryder … didn’t finish anywhere, Dan Butler … didn’t finish anywhere, (Zak) Jones … didn’t finish in the top 10.
"We have all jumped on board. It surprised me that none of these guys had finished better. I know (Dan) Butler didn't play a lot this year, (Zak) Jones I thought would have been a top 10 player for Sydney.
"We knew that Dougal Howard finished the year playing in the twos."
Fan excitement at Moorabbin has extended beyond their new arrivals on the field, though, with former Blues coach Brett Ratten assuming the helm, replacing Alan Richardson and already proving a popular figure in the eyes of most involved with the club.
Watson, however, remains suspicious of how far Ratten can take this group.
"Maybe we just need to pull back a little bit on how well they have recruited."
