As AFL clubs enjoy their mid-season bye and list managers turn their attention towards 2018, we take a daily look at one club and how it has performed so far - and what to expect from here.
ST KILDA
Pre-season expectations: After a strong finish to season 2016, which saw them win eight of their last 11 games and miss out on a finals berth by percentage, St Kilda were picked by many to go the next step this year and end their six-year finals drought. The recruitment of Nathan Brown, Jack Steele and Koby Stevens, and the return of Jake Carlisle, seemingly bolstered their September ambitions.
Record: 5-5
What's gone right: After losing their first two games of the season, St Kilda looked like they had arrived as a force to be reckoned with when they won five of their next six games to find themselves just a win off top spot. The highlight of the Saints' season so far was their magnificent 23-point win over premiership fancies Greater Western Sydney in round seven. Key defenders Carlisle and Brown are developing a solid partnership down back, Jarryn Geary is having a fine first year as captain while Dylan Roberton is having a career-best season. Roberton is in the top five in the league for kicks and rebound-50s and is an early bolter for the All-Australian team such has been his impact off half-back. After a breakout year last year, Seb Ross appears to be taking his game to another level again in 2017. Ross is ranked No.1 at the Saints for disposals, clearances, contested possessions and inside-50s and No.2 for tackles. Jack Steven has shown why he is a multiple best-and-fairest winner, too, with an average of 27 touches a game and, despite having missed a couple of games, is still ranked third at the Saints for tackles, inside-50s and contested possessions and second for clearances. Last year Tom Hickey looked like he was going to be St Kilda's No.1 ruckman for the next decade, but Billy Longer had other ideas. The former Lion has successfully replaced Hickey and has grabbed his opportunity with both hands as he now finds himself in the top five in the AFL for average hitouts per game (39.5).
The Saints suffered a thrashing at the hands of Sydney in round nine. Photo: Getty Images
What's gone wrong: Ever since the footy world sat up and took notice of them following their win against GWS, the Saints have been underwhelming to say the least. A hard-fought win over plucky Carlton and back-to-back thrashings at the hands of lowly Sydney and Western Bulldogs is all St Kilda has to show for their last three weeks as they came back to the pack with a thud. Their forward line appears to be an issue with Josh Bruce out of favour and Paddy McCartin struggling for form and, seemingly, fitness. Perhaps the biggest worry is the fact that superstar Nick Riewoldt is St Kilda's leading goalkicker (17) this year despite having missed two games. The 34-year-old is also averaging 19 disposals and only Tim Membrey has taken more marks than him inside forward 50 for the Saints. The reliance on Riewoldt is unhealthy as ever and the question has to be asked - are the Saints adequately prepared for his eventual retirement? Since the start of 2015, the Saints have won only one of the eight games for which he has been sidelined. St Kilda are the third worst team for scoring accuracy (53.4) with only Collingwood and the Western Bulldogs below them and they are in the bottom six for disposals per goal (31.6).
Standout star: It's a flip of the coin between Ross and Roberton but because midfielders so often get the glory these days, I'm going with Roberton. The former Docker has been a revelation this season with averages of 25.4 disposals, 7.5 marks and 5.5 rebound-50s - all career-highs - and after eight years in the system the 25-year-old looks to have finally established himself as a bona fide AFL player. With his skill level and decision making improving rapidly this year, he has added another string to the St Kilda backline's bow. He has even drifted forward and kicked four goals in the first 10 rounds, which is also a personal best.
Paddy McCartin is struggling to make an impact. Photo: Getty Images
Players under the pump: McCartin might not come out of contract until the end of next season but the Saints would be seriously tempted to trade him this year. The former No.1 pick's progress has been anything but encouraging and a return to the VFL looms. Leigh Montagna continues to rack up the disposals but he is 33 and his role could easily be filled by someone 10 years his junior. Time is running out for out-of-contract Jack Lonie while Nathan Wright might consider a move elsewhere if he continues to be starved of opportunities. Coach Alan Richardson has consistently backed the injury-plagued Nathan Freeman but the untried former Magpie is still to make his AFL debut with his 22nd birthday a few weeks away.
The run home: Tenth-placed St Kilda's season is delicately poised and with six meetings against current top-eight sides in their last 12 games against Adelaide (away), Fremantle (away), Richmond (twice), Port Adelaide (away) and West Coast, they will be made to earn a spot in the finals. They also have to travel to Sydney to face the Swans in round 18.
Grading: B minus
