Following a ninth-place finish in 2012, the Saints will be looking for continued improvement in season 2013. Last year saw the club reveal some new faces on the field, including mature age recruits Ahmed Saad and Terry Milera, who played consistently for most of the season.
It was a refreshing sight, as the club had been criticised for not developing the lineup during the Ross Lyon era. Young guns Arryn Siposs and Tom Ledger also got opportunities throughout the season, and they will be keen to establish their positions in the team.
However, 2013 may be a genuine struggle for St. Kilda. A combination of a lack of key position players, and the fact that their top five players are on the wrong side of 25, means it could be a year of both ups and downs.
They lost Jason Gram during the offseason, after he was sacked due to personal reasons. Doubts exist over how the older bodies of Stephen Milne, Nick Riewoldt and Lenny Hayes will hold up in another brutal AFL season. On a positive note, it will be exciting to see how second-round draft pick Spencer White will fare, as he may be the answer to replace the ageing Justin Koschitzke.
Key Player: Ben McEvoy
The Saints ruckman missed 8 games in 2012 after suffering an injury, but still managed to enjoy one of his best seasons yet. Reports are that he has completed a full pre-season, and could be set for a big year. He is crucial to the Saints structure; his absence forces a player like Koschitzke to leave the forward-line and take over the ruck duties, which makes it easier for the opposition backline to manage Riewoldt.
If he can stay fit and have a big season, it will be a huge benefit to the Saints quality midfield of Hayes, Nick Dal-Santo and Leigh Montagna.
Circle it on the calendar: Round 10 vs. North Melbourne
As a team who might be fighting for eighth spot – provided everything goes right – the round 10 clash against North Melbourne will be vital. Both sides will be looking to win games against teams who are in a similar position, both to further their own finals credentials and dent their opponents hopes. Expect a tight game in front of a blockbuster crowd at Etihad Stadium.
2013 Prediction: 10th – 12th
Highlight moments and games can be expected from the Saints this year, but their list doesn’t look quite strong enough to provide consistency and make the top eight. They need some more young blood, and further improvement from those up and coming types of players are required before the club can start thinking about strongly featuring in September.
Sam Patrick is a third-year Bachelor of Journalism (Sport) student. You can follow him on Twitter: @sammylpatrick
