St Kilda have spent the majority of the last decade doing some soul-searching, with the side that came so close to winning the flag in 2010 now just a distant memory.

However, 2020 has no doubt been their best season since 2011, and Saints fans have every reason to be excited about the club's trajectory.

With Brett Ratten getting his young side to play an exciting brand of football as well as winning a final, the boys in the red, white and black are poised to have a genuine run at a flag in the near future.

BEST WIN

Elimination Final vs Western Bulldogs: It would be criminal not to have this spirited, drought-breaking victory as St Kilda's best win of the year.

After ten years of no success in the post-season, the Saints weathered a final quarter onslaught from Luke Beveridge's Bulldogs to book a place for the next week against Richmond.

Jarryn Geary and Dan Hannebery were immense for the Saints, whilst Paddy Ryder gave his all before a hamstring injury ruled him out for the rest of the season.

WORST LOSS

Round 11 vs Geelong: The Saints went into this clash with the Cats on a four game winning streak, but left red-faced and empty handed as they went down by ten goals.

Tom Hawkins kicked a bag of five majors, and the Cats were far superior to the Saints in every aspect of the game.

Kicking efficiency for Ratten's side was woeful too as St. Kilda managed only 4.10 to Geelong's 14.9.

MVP 

Jack Steele: No surprises here as the 25-year-old had a stunner of a season. Averaged 21.9 disposals a game as well as 5.5 tackles and 5.1 clearances. Will no doubt be at the centre of everything good that the Saints will do.

MOST IMPROVED

Hunter Clark: While there were several names fit for this title, Steele included, Clark's rise in the Saints' back-third edges out the rest.

A clean ball user that oozed confidence in his own abilities, Clark looks to be a fantastic option for the Saints' future, being able to play off the back-line and through the middle when called upon.

Clark played 18 out of 19 games for St Kilda in 2020 and placed top five for total disposals, tackles and rebound 50's amongst his peers.

NEEDS TO LIFT

Brad Hill: Again, this shouldn't come as a surprise. The 2020 recruit came across from Fremantle and failed to get any sort of momentum going. The midfielder didn't miss a game this year, but only managed to average 15.4 disposals and 1.4 tackles per game, which is below league standard. Needs a big off-season to have a better run in 2021.

INS AND OUTS

In 

Brad Crouch (Adelaide)

Shaun McKernan (Essendon, delisted free agent)

Jack Higgins (Richmond)

Pick 21 (Richmond)

Future second round (Richmond)

Out

Pick 17 (Richmond)

Future second round (Richmond)

2021 CRYSTAL BALL

The fact that the Saints haven't lost any personnel has meant that they have done nothing but strengthen in this years trade period.

The arrival of Crouch and Higgins in particular strengthens their 22 immensely, with their midfield and attack now looking the part, if they already weren't.

It would not be surprising if the Saints were to finish even higher up the table next season, with a 5th place position seeming likely.

Top four would be incredible, and a push deep into September wouldn't be out of the question either.