The Saints came marching back in 2023. After a couple of lacklustre seasons and a revamp in their coaching ranks, St Kilda exploded out of the blocks and topped the table after 6 rounds. Their form was up and down from there but they stayed in the top 8 for the entire season, eventually succumbing to the Giants in a sudden-death duel in the first week of the finals. There’s clearly a lot for the club to build on from that effort, and from a Supercoach perspective there’s a bit to like too….
Defenders
Feeling Lucky
Jack Sinclair ($596,300) and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera ($475,800)
Normally ‘Sincs’ would be more of a Lock ‘n’ Load type, but a persistent calf niggle has wiped out his pre-season and there’s really no way you can start him now I think. It’s a shame because normally he would be right in the mix for the D1 position, coming off averages of 113 and 106 in his past two seasons with perfect attendance in that time. A lot of coaches are going premium-heavy in the backline to start the season, but Sinclair is definitely one you should try to save a spot for.
On the other hand, NWM is just getting going after adding a whopping 27 points to his scoring average in his sophomore year. Fleet of foot and talented, with a liking for taking the kick-in duties and generally sound use of the footy. He’s probably vying with Hayden Young for that “budget premium” defender role this year, and while Young is winning the popularity vote quite convincingly at the moment, I have a funny feeling that the final wash-up may be a bit closer…
Money Maker
Arie Schoenmaker ($117,300)
One of the biggest sliders from the 2023 national draft, Schoenmaker’s booming left boot came to St Kilda at pick 62. It hasn’t been smooth sailing for the Tasmanian throughout his junior footy career, but his game is made for fantasy footy. He’s tall enough to play as an interceptor, and by all accounts he is one of the best kicks to come out of that draft class. Only 18 years of age and still developing his game, but injuries to a couple of key players for the Saints has left the door slightly ajar for an early debut. 11 marks in the AAMI series last week certainly didn’t hurt his chances! Monitor.
Midfielders
Feeling Lucky
Jack Steele ($529,500)
The last two years have seen an alarming drop-off in the previously stellar Steele’s scoring ability, as he has played through injury to keep his beloved Saints afloat. Now 28 years old, can the skipper return to the form he showed in 2020-21, when he went 120+ and was basically a must for your midfield? The price is definitely right and the pre-season form is promising if not exactly overwhelming, with 9 tackles and 21 possessions against the Roos hopefully the sign of better things to come.
Riley Bonner ($284,500)
Bonner is one of those weird options that seems to pop up every pre-season. He’s on nobody’s radar until he turns in a pleasantly out-of-character performance in a pre-season game, and suddenly he’s everyone’s new best friend. 30 touches and a goal for 127 points in the AAMI series, combined with that tantalising middling price, has a lot of coaches wondering if somehow Riley could do a job for them at D4 or D5. The caveat emptor, of course, is that Sinclair did not play in that pre-season game but is not far away, and his presence will surely only affect Bonner’s share of the footy in a negative way. It’s also worth pointing out that in eight seasons, Bonner has never averaged over 78 before finding his way to the Saints in the pre-season supplemental selection period.
Rucks
Rowan Marshall ($639,100)
Free of the dual-ruck shackles, Marshall predictably banged out the most impressive season of his career in 2023, playing every game and averaging 114. This placed him second only to the dominant English amongst ruckmen. Unfortunately he’ll cost you a few extra pennies this time around – quite a few, actually – but still might be worth it if he can reproduce or even surpass last year’s efforts. I don’t think there are any real threats to his role within the team, but there are some value options on this line in 2024 and that might be the main thing that will hold you (and everyone else) back from starting with the Marshall. Currently running at just 6.5% ownership.
Forwards
Feeling Lucky
Mitch Owens ($445,300)
At barely 20 years of age, Owens has already established himself as one of the most versatile and dynamic players in the league. Asked to run through the midfield, drift forward, and even provide a chop-out in the ruck at various stages throughout his first two year in the competition, Owens has done it all to impressive effect while also shaping as a potential Supercoach star of the future. Even with the dearth of available options in the forward line, I’m not convinced Mitch is quite there in terms of Classic relevance just yet. But he is a great draft option and is sure to turn in some huge games throughout the year, and besides all that, he is one of the most enjoyable players to watch when he is on!
Money Maker
Darcy Wilson ($130,800) (M/F)
Taken at pick 18 in the 2023 draft, it hasn’t taken long for the Bushrangers wingman to establish his quality in the national competition. Wilson has already exhibited impressive professionalism and talent for someone of his age and, based on his pre-season form, is capable of stepping straight into a full-time role at the Saints. 24 touches, 10 marks and a Supercoach ton in the AAMI series, is there much more to say? Assuming his name is read out next Thursday night, he is a must for your forward line.
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This will be a very interesting season for the Saints. They have finally addressed their mid field weakness and have a strong group of youngsters coming through… Owens, Windhager, Phillipou, NWH, King, and Wilson. Ross the boss has cleared the decks for a tilt at the title in two to three years time.
I think RTB wants to play Sinclair more in the middle which makes Bonner a prospect for the loose across half back. I also think they are very keen to upgrade from Howard/Cordy so Schoenmaker is likely to get a run whenever match ups allow.
The Saints are still a fair way off challenging for a top four spot but they are finally moving in the right direction after ten years in the wilderness. My prediction – Bottom of the eight.
I am by no means sold on Bonner but he currently warms my M6 spot. I think Sinclair will play a midfield role for Ross. The coach loves bonners lethal left boot so I can see him just playing across the HB line and mopping up.. could easily down grade him before round 1 but I don’t mind the upside and worst case he averages us 75-80 he should make us 150k. But I believe he goes closer to 85-90 if his role sticks.