After a sixth place finish, dealing out a loss to the Bulldogs in an elimination final and strong performance on the road in a COVID season, the Saints ‘Moneyball’ recruiting blitz and a reinvigorated Richmond-esque playstyle looked to be paying off in 2020. However 2021 cruelly exposed the Saints recruitment strategy, selection integrity and, frankly, effort as they plummeted to 10th. Paradoxically, one week they’d give strong sides like the Dees, Port, Swans and Cats a run for their money and the next pipped by the Crows and Eagles, belted by the Dons by 75, pounded by 86 against the Tigers or, in what was their season’s nadir, a 111 mauling by the Dogs. They’ve still got a strong foundation of elite players led by the Man of Steele and a crop of first and second round talent they can utilize, but it’s make or break for the Saints rebuild attempt in 2022.
Defenders
Money Maker: Son of Terry Milera and nephew of legend Gavin Wanganeen, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera ($162 300, DEF/MID) was taken at pick #11 and was held in high esteem at Glenelg in the SANFL as wingman. Reportedly the best kick in the the draft and with tremendous outside run, NWM looks slated for a blended wing and half back role.
Midfielders
Lock and Load: Only 57 points away from the #1 OA spot in 2021, Jack Steele ($685 500) has had a truly phenomenal last two seasons; elevating himself from a tagger and defensive presence to one of the competition’s elite midfielders. Increased his average by +3.5 to 126 flat, hit 140+ 8 times, averaged nearly 30 touches and, of course, he’s a tackling machine. The Man of Steele will continue to be the Saints’ Atlas after a mega deal and will push a 130 average this season. Lock him in.
Rucks
Feeling Lucky: Probably the biggest positional blow for 2022 was Rowan Marshall ($536 800) losing RUC/FWD DPP. RoMo can now only be selected as a ruck and that’s a difficult prospect. For one, plantir fasciitis (which has a Europe in the 1930s ring to it) has hampered him in consecutive seasons, most acutely last year where he only managed the 13 games, and it’s the type of injury that can flare up and be re-aggravated pretty easily. Word right now is he’s not in full pre-season training. Also, you’d prefer the Saints to get over the 1-2 duo with Ryder and give him the #1 ruck role by now.
Forwards
Lock and Load: Jade Gresham ($299 000, MID/FWD) was on the right trajectory for a breakout and was on many an SC watch-list as any midfielder with FWD status is – but Gresham’s had a horror run with injuries the last two years, with a complete rupture to his Achillies tendon the culprit in 2021. Definitely monitor him, if he can get his body right he could be a deadly FWD pick. His role as a MID is secure and that’d give him a solid scoring stream for 80s at a minimum and preferably 90s with the occasional ton.
Leave a comment / Scroll to bottom
Thanks for the review GD.
Steele is an easy lock.
NW Milera could be a handy defensive rookie. That DPP is handy.
I love Marshall, but can’t look at him unless he gets DPP at some stage.
I can’t fit in Gresh atm . I may have to fit him in if he goes bananas in the AAMI series.
Thanks again mate..
Cheers FT.
Thanks, FT.
Not a lot of chatter on this preview. Either everyone is just starting Steele or my writing isn’t up to scratch lol.
Same, only got Steele rn.
Think its just there isn’t much going on other than the Saints you mentioned. I scrolled through their prices, lots of midpriced no-names and the rookies have zero hype (maybe this will change). You would have to question where their list is headed.
Nothing wrong with your writing, at all. I think the consensus holds – we’re all looking at Steele, and considering Gresham if he comes out strongly.
Hanneberry got through a solid week of “managed “training. If he can get couple more in I reckon we consider him for fallen premo status lol
Seriously though, I have a sneaking suspicion that Tommy Highmore could challenge an 80+ ave. Certainly has the potential, scored A ton and a few 90s in the back end of the season when given the opportunity.
Surely Brad Hill improves, although we don’t seriously consider him, and Hunter Clark with a mended jaw and back in the guts gets a niggling mention.
Hanneberry could be absolute gold if he played 9 before the byes. If he is getting that many games in succession its hard to see him averaging less than 90.
Would take a lot of courage to start him and that 90 average can be shot by a 1st quarter injury very quickly. At least he is priced appropriately for the risk.
Thoughts on Hunter Clark Gunboat?
Is there a starting midfield spot there for him?
Idk, Froff.
They’ve experimented with him further up the ground a few times (on ball and on a wing) but doesn’t seem to have the tank or game awareness to keep up.
Also very brittle. 15, 14, 16 & 13 games over his 4 years.
Midfield mix is Steele, Crouch, Jones and Gresham, but Steele the only constant – suppose they could give him MID rotations but I haven’t heard anything.