There was optimism St Kilda would take the step back towards September in 2026 after a big off-season last year but they fell short.
Pressure will again be on the Saints in 2026 to deliver given their great promise, and a fully healthy Max King would assist with that.
Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera again coming out of contract will be another storyline and motivation to take a leap as they try to prove to him he should commit to the red, white and black long term.
AFL Draft hand: 10, 16, 41, 51, 69, 87, 105
For the second time in three years, the Saints will have two selections on night one and height looms as the ingredient they most need as they look to return to finals in 2026.
Two years ago they picked up Tobie Travaglia and Alix Tauru and further reinforcing the backline is one route the Saints may look to take.
List needs
Forward target: In the absence of Max King, the Saints were found out in this department through 2026, with most of the supporting cast undersized, with Mitch Owens and Cooper Sharman 191 and 193cm respectively. Even with King on the park, having a second target would ease the pressure and diversify the attack in the long term - notwithstanding Jake Stringer's addition helps them win games now.
Key defender: Callum Wilkie has held the fought well in recent years and is one of the best in the competition and Alix Tauru is emerging and keen to prove to the Saints he can play at AFL level consistently. Jack Silvagni also had an underrated season, while Anthony Caminiti is also in the mix, but there is a prevailing belief another lockdown player is needed. Of those listed, only Caminiti is above 195cm, and Tauru would benefit from having someone alongside him in the long-term - if he stays - locking down spearheads to allow him to intercept.
Speed: The Saints are always looking for speed, and a half-back runner who uses the footy well and can set up transition play would be a handy addition.
Potential targets
Tyson Bradley: Mitch Harris is likely to be off the board by the time St Kilda enter the draft, with Bradley the next best key back available, alongside Clancy Snell. Bradley would provide the perfect complement to Alix Tauru as a player who is doggedly competitive and provides poise on the last line. Bradley is more physically developed than most key position players his age providing confidence he could impact earlier than most.
Sam Gayfer: The Saints would need to use their first selection on Gayfer if they want him, with Gayfer pushing himself up the board late in the year and backing it up with a strong National Combine where he shattered the record for the running vertical jump. An athletic freak who crashes and bashes, he can kick goals in a hurry and, like Bradley, is an imposing presence already.
Jack Pickett: If St Kilda opt for a defender with their first selection, Pickett looms as the best remaining key forward at their second pick. Could prove to be one of the bargains of the draft given the expectation he drifts despite a sterling bottom-aged campaign where he proved at various levels he could anchor a forward line and kick goals with ease as a hit-up option.
Lochie Burrows: Has been linked to St Kilda's second selection after a year of steady growth has resulted in him bolting into first round contention. A power athlete, he can play in attack or defence and is ultra competitive and underratedly tough which complements his class with the footy.
Sam Devers: Devers is one St Kilda has been linked to with their third selection, who would provide potential defensive reinforcement. Explosive and athletic, the 189cm prospect fits Ross Lyon's love for speed and line-breaking and is also an undersized aerial threat who can leap and play taller.
