St Kilda are set for a quieter AFL Draft this year than their fans have come to expect in years gone by, with their aggressive off-season of player movement seeing them left with a handful of later picks for next week's count.
The Saints, who have made two first-round selections in each of the past two drafts, won't be on the clock until Pick 50 in the draft order.
That position comes as the club turns towards contending for the premiership in 2026, having added Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni, Sam Flanders and Liam Ryan to their list to signal an intent to move up the ladder.
Nevertheless, the draft can still be critical in keeping a club in contention, and the Saints could still find some diamonds in the rough.
Draft Hand
Picks: 50, 65 (71 Points)
The Saints' busy trade period has left them with just two draft picks in the first four rounds, with their round three selection - Pick 50 - the only pick that has value on the PVI.
Points would be required for matching a bid on NGA talent Kye Fincher should one come, but if a rival pulls the trigger early, the Saints might not have the points to match, or may even pass on their club-tied teenager.
Should they have additional list spots to fill, they can also rely on the fifth round of the draft or later, with the final few picks of the draft potentially falling in the 50s.
List Needs
Key Forward Force: The profile of Ross Lyon's current crop of key forwards is a touch underwhelming if they want to be compared to contending clubs in 2026. Max King is the main piece of the puzzle, and has been the forgotten man after a year on the sidelines and just 23 games in the past three seasons. Rowan Marshall and Tom De Koning will have roles in attack as the Saints look to find the best balance between the ruck pair, while Cooper Sharman has shown an ability to play a leading role. A key forward for the future might be an area the Saints assess at the draft, with a handful of viable options potentially on offer when they're on the clock.
Front-Half Speed: The Saints certainly aren't lacking small forward options for 2026, having added Liam Ryan to their ranks from West Coast. He'll turn 30 next year, as will Dan Butler, with the pecking order set for a shuffle in the coming years. Jack Higgins has led the way over the last few seasons, while Liam Henry and Lance Collard are yet to cement their spots in the senior side. A small forward who can add some depth and potentially play another role when required could be an avenue the Saints take this draft window.
Versatility: Like any club set to contend, the ability to move players around at any given moment can separate you from the pack. Assets who can step into a secondary role in the absence of an injured player, or just to tweak a game plan mid-match, are significant weapons in a coach's arsenal.
Potential Targets
Louis Emmett: Among the leading key forward prospects for 2025, Emmett proved last year that he has tremendous upside as an attacking target who stops the tape at two metres tall. While his standing this year may have slid a touch, the Oakleigh Chargers forward-ruck hybrid remains a promising key position prospect who could be an ideal supporting option to replace Rowan Marshall further down the line. Emmett would be considered a bargain for the Saints should he be available at their first pick.
| 39 RANK |  | Louis Emmett Oakleigh Chargers Ruck/Forward HEIGHT: 200cm |
Kye Fincher: Part of St Kilda's Next Generation Academy, Fincher will have suitors outside of the Saints, making him an interesting name to watch come draft night. Able to play across half-back and through midfield, Fincher flexed his athletic strengths in 2025, using his high leap to be an interceptor before using his clean boot to move the ball with efficiency. Fincher could creep into the top 30 of the draft, making it difficult for the Saints to match a bid and not hamper their future draft plans.
| 30 RANK |  | Kye Fincher Sandringham Dragons Defender/Midfielder HEIGHT: 185cm | ▶+ |
Thomas Matthews: The Gippsland Power forward was highly-touted coming into the year, which would eventually be hampered by a PCL injury that kept him to four CTL appearances and put a line through his U18s National Championships for Vic Country. Matthews' extended absence could make the exciting and speedy attacker a bargain pickup for a club like St Kilda, who will be relying on late selections at this year's AFL Draft. When Matthews did get on the field this year, he didn't disappoint, booting four goals against the Young Guns and kicking seven majors in his short spell for the Power.
