2020 Team Preview – St Kilda

Written by on January 29 2020

Rd12 BYE

I think I’ll start by outlining my Saints potential best 22 for 2020.

B: Jarryn GEARY, Jake CARLISLE, Callum WILKIE

HB: Dylan ROBERTON, Dougal HOWARD, Hunter CLARK

C: Brad HILL, Seb ROSS, Zak JONES

HF: Jack BILLINGS, Tim MEMBREY, Jade GRESHAM

F: Paddy RYDER, Max KING, Dan BUTLER

R: Rowan MARSHALL, Jack STEELE, Dan HANNEBERY

I/C: Josh BATTLE, Jimmy WEBSTER, Luke DUNSTAN, Jack BYTEL

The Saints list looks stronger than it has in years after a huge trade period and there will be stiff competition from the likes of Hind, Savage, Coffield, McKenzie, Langlands, Sinclair, Lonie, Parker and Paton, who all have legitimate claims.  I’m fed up of saying this could be our year, but am honestly more optimistic than I have been in the last six years.  Bring it on.

Prediction:  8th to 12th.

Onto the Review.

 

Defenders

Feeling Lucky:

As I said this time last year Dylan Roberton ($260,400) is in full training and is currently on track for a Rd1 return, but we all remember how that turned out last year.  His average was nearly 80 prior to that GEE game in 2017 and averaged 90+ in two of the previous three seasons (92.6 in 2017).  Dylan could be a decent cash-generator, points-getter and stepping stone to an elite DEF in 2020.

There has been a lot of talk surrounding Hunter Clark ($402,200) having the potential for a breakout season in 2020.  He ave’d 85.4 from Rd15 onwards running off HB, on a wing and occasionally through the middle, demonstrating why he went at Pick 7 in the 2017 Draft.  His skills and footy nous are elite.  Seb Ross continues to rave about him.  My concern is the recruited strength in the Saints’ list now.  So much so that we can probably afford to watch and act given his tricky price.  It will likely cost very little to wait, while it could cost you a lot to start him!

Money Maker:

Oscar Clavarino ($123,900) didn’t get his opportunity due to injury niggles in 2019, but as a key position defender there may be better options.  If he does get a chance at some point in 2020, he could be a decent downgrade target, to generate some cash while sitting on your pine.

 

Midfielders

Feeling Lucky

Last year, I had Seb Ross ($530,900) listed as a ‘lock & load’ but in 2020, he drops in category.  You’re gonna want some luck!  Again, he finished off the season in tantalising form, posting scores of 159, 100, 129, 116 and 126.  Monstrous scoring yes, but in all five of those games, either Hannebery or Gresham were injured which afforded him more time ‘on ball’.  As pointed out last year, he is more relevant for DreamTeam and at his price there are likely better options, at least until Hanners gets injured!!

Jack Steele ($512,600) has improved each and every year and while those of us who started him in 2019 were disappointed, I think we may have gone a year early in 2019. He still posted nine 100+s (and three 120+s in his last 7 games) last year.  Both he and Ratts have stated that he will be given more freedom in 2020 and that, could be very profitable from an SC perspective.  He ave’d 117.3 in his last 7 games of 2018 when given a similar role.  He has been a big numbers beast since his junior days and 2020 could be the year we finally see him explode at AFL level.  Do not dismiss.

Should I mention Daniel Hannebery ($417,00)?  Too late. He’s priced almost $100k higher than last year, but despite only playing five games toward the back end of last season, he did post two tons in the last three weeks.  Despite the ‘falling down the stairs’ incident this off-season, he is pretty much back to full training now and should be a walk up start in 2020 all going well.  If you’ve liked the Rockliff pick in the past, here’s another one for you.  Too risky for mine, but could appeal to some.

Money Maker

Of the rookies Jack Bytel ($123,900) is a pure inside-midfielder (selected in last year’s draft at pick 41), and is now training fully after undergoing season-ending surgery early last year.  He is pencilled to start as early as Rd1.  Watch the Marsh Series closely for role and numbers.  I like what I’m hearing.

 

Rucks

Feeling Lucky

Well last year I didn’t even mention Rowan Marshall ($598,700) in my Preview.  Oops.  My how things changed with injuries and concussions to both Longer and Pierce.  An extraordinary first season as 1st RUC after playing a pinch-hitting FWD role in 2018, averaging just 62.8.  But thanks to his huge tank and increased strength (24yrs old) he ave’d 110.2 in 2019.  Despite the arrival of Ryder, I still think there’ll be improvement in the young Saint in 2020.  Not enough for me to risk starting him, especially with the Rd12 bye, but I’ll be watching him closely in 2020, should anything happen to GG.com …

 

Forwards

Feeling Lucky

Again, there’s been a lot of talk in this off-season about Jade Gresham ($456,400) being on the cusp of a genuine breakout season in 2020.  Now in his 5th pre-season ‘Gresh’ will get more MID minutes in 2020 as witnessed after Ratts took the reins in Rd17.  Two tons in his last three games (with one injury-effected score) his numbers are going in the right direction; disposals up to 22.4 (17.8 in 2018), contested possessions up to 10 (7 in 2018) and clearances up to 4.5 (from 2.4) are all positive indicators.  I’ll definitely be watching the Marsh Series closely but am more likely to see him as a potential upgrade target than a starter in 2020, because of his awkward price and likely better, cheaper options.

Money Maker

The 2018 #4 draft pick Max King ($123,900) is now a base-priced rookie following his recovery from an ACL in 2018 and then an ankle syndesmosis injury sidelining him from the VFL and the chance of an AFL debut late last year. Now fit and in full training, Ratten has stated that the Saints will get “as many games into him as possible in 2020” and he is therefore a legitimate F7/8 who should make us $100k+. There may be better options, but if not, strongly consider.

After thoughts

The following should be considered for those playing SC Draft. Josh BATTLE, Dan BUTLER, Brad HILL, Zak JONES and Jimmy WEBSTER.  Dougal HOWARD may also surprise.

I will update this thread as and when there is any news that is particularly SC-relevant, eg injuries, new roles, starting 22.  Please also do the same if you hear anything.

Go Saints!!

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29 thoughts on “2020 Team Preview – St Kilda”

    1. I agree. Part of me doesn’t want him to play again, for his own well-being. Some things are just more important than footy.

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    2. How different is his condition to jaiden stephensons however? Now that he has been cleared it may be under control in a similar fashion and stepho hasnt missed a beat

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    3. TR…if you have space….195297…a league for SC tragics and big contributors. Its a completely shameless league where sledging, venting, and anything not PC is welcome.

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  1. Great stuff as always, AllSaints.

    How do you think Ryder and Marshall are likely to split the ruck duties?

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    1. Ratts states it will be based on match-ups and their histories. I’m inclined to think Marshall will be first RUC and Paddy giving him a chop-out as and when needed. Rowan is already as good if not better around the contest, while Paddy is a better key FWD. that’s the sense I make of it.
      Rowan reckons he’s already learned a heap off Paddy and I see his stats, especially round the ground improving after only his fourth pre-season. He has a massive tank. Don’t think he’ll improve enough to trouble the G&G Ruck Factory just yet, but maybe in 2021?!
      Plus, I hate our bye for starting Premos, particularly in the RUC.

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  2. Such an interesting team from a SuperCoach perspective but think they will just miss out on being relevant.

    Roberton a lock for me prior to knowledge on rookies.

    Clark looks a big breakout chance but in a somewhat stacked def line this year.

    Ross & Steele definitely have 110+ potential but why pick them when we have so many players with 120+ potential.

    Hannebery I have a real interest in this year. But again, it’s so hard to ignore the big mids this year.

    Gresham is just one of 20-30 potential breakout options in the fwd line. So hard to find the right info and upward trends to nail that one from Round 1.

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  3. Thanks all Saints
    Was tempted by Clark however you make some compelling points
    Look forward to our battles in Supercoach leagues 2020

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  4. Great stuff AS , are you not a fan of Butler in Classic? He’s basically priced as a premium rookie and while I don’t expect Walsh type numbers is there a chance he could ave 75 ish? Is he ready for some MM?

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    1. I hear ya mate, but just see a few ahead of him for MM at the mo. Gresh, Billings, Clark, Dunstan and even Battle will likely get mins thru the middle.
      I think he might just be too valuable as a pressure small (especially early). We also need his kicking accuracy. Will go and check things out in person in the coming weeks, so I can’t really say more than that at the mo’. Will of course, report back with any SC-relevant stuff I learn.

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    1. So do I. Big wraps on him. Mature-aged and bodied. Fingers crossed for Rd1.
      Besides, we need another Jack in the side with Stuv gone 😉

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  5. I don’t have any Saints in my team at the moment, however…..
    If Roberton plays Marsh and plays well, I won’t be able to refuse him at that price. I think he can average 80+ easily and even possibly make nearly 200k profit. Yes, it’s a risk, but sometimes the bigger risk is NOT picking a player.
    Bytel & King will be thereabouts for me pending a good Marsh series.

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  6. I’ve been a saints supporter for over 60 years, I’ve seen the highs and low’s, and one thing I’ve learnt over the years is this, never believe anything you hear or see, all that matters is results. That’s what’s win premierships. I like everyone am very optimistic about the Saints chances this year. But don’t listen to me. Time will tell.

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    1. Best record a 60 ave in a premiership team, 3 scores over 84 in 42 games, I personally don’t see the upside.

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      1. I’m only looking for him to hit 350-400k at some point. Not all season just enough to off load for a fallen premium with a bit of change to spare.

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  7. Nice write-up AllSaints. I was thinking about Ross in the hopes that Rafts gets the Saints playing more fantasy friendly football…

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  8. Great read, was going to start with marshall at r2 100% before Ryder was traded to the Saints i do believe Marshall will still good but can’t do it while another AA Ruckman is in the 22.

    I do also think Steele will break out this year but again no cahones to select

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    1. I had Steele last year hoping for a breakout. With so many high scoring mids available he’d really have to hit 115+ to be worth it?

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