St Kilda’s Mixed Season: A Tale of Potential and Challenges
On the surface, it seems that St Kilda have not made significant progress this season despite their high-profile off-season spending. The Saints are currently sitting in 12th place with a 5-7 win-loss record, which is identical to their performance at this time last season. However, there are some encouraging signs. Their percentage has improved by 10 per cent (102.3), making them more competitive than teams like the ninth-placed Magpies and even the seventh-placed Western Bulldogs.
The Saints are scoring an average of 89.6 points per game, which is more than seven points higher than last season. Defensively, they’ve managed to concede an average of 87.6 points per game, despite the absence of key defender Callum Wilkie. They rank 10th and ninth in these categories, which explains why they remain mid-table.
One of the most notable improvements is their scores-from-clearances differential, where they have moved up from 10th to fourth. However, their performance in scores-from-turnover differential has slightly declined. Despite this, one win against a top-10 side, Greater Western Sydney, highlights their potential.
A close league observer noted that for all the Blues’ struggles, they are only one win behind the Saints. The same applies to the rebuilding West Coast Eagles. David King, a dual North Melbourne premiership player and commentator, stated that he did not expect St Kilda to be contenders this year. He believes that teams around the Saints’ current position find it difficult to beat top-four or top-six teams.
Key Additions and Challenges
St Kilda made several high-profile signings during the off-season, including Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni, Sam Flanders, and Liam Ryan. They also paid Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera to become the highest-paid player in the competition. These additions were expected to propel the Saints into September, possibly even into the top six, but at least securing one of the bottom rungs of the now top-10 finals system.
However, the Saints faced a challenging schedule to start the season, compounded by injuries. Five interstate trips, including back-to-back games in Adelaide, were not ideal. While they managed to beat Port Adelaide, they were unlucky against Adelaide. They also played in the sapping Darwin humidity against the Gold Coast and are now facing a tough run of games against premiership favorites Fremantle, Hawthorn, and Sydney.
Several key players are missing due to injuries. Wanganeen-Milera, Mitch Owens, and Liam Ryan are all sidelined with calf issues, while Flanders is out for the rest of the season due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. Small forward Jack Higgins is also missing due to a knee injury.
Player Development and Coaching
Tom De Koning, despite his high salary, continues to divide opinions. However, coach Ross Lyon defended him after a loss to Hawthorn, pointing out that De Koning ranked high in score involvements. He managed to boot two goals against the Hawks.
Lyon insists that the Saints have improved, even after a 2-4 start. The absence of key forward Max King continues to hurt, but the Saints remain confident that better days are ahead. Jack Silvagni impressed with three goals when moved forward against the Hawks.
The team’s development efforts are showing results. Players like Darcy Wilson, Max Hall, Mattaes Phillipou, and Hugo Garcia have made strong progress. The Saints are desperate to retain Wilson, who has attracted considerable interest elsewhere.
Essendon’s Tough Road Ahead
Essendon faces a particularly challenging run home, according to Champion Data. They have the sixth-toughest run to September, giving supporters and critics ample material to debate their prospects. Interim coach Dean Solomon is leading the team through a difficult period.
Solomon’s opening match as interim coach did not result in a positive outcome; the Bombers lost to the West Coast Eagles in Perth. They have just one win from their past 25 games. The Bombers will face Carlton, North Melbourne, St Kilda, Brisbane, the Giants, and Hawthorn before the end of July.
Matthew Lloyd, an Essendon great, said he does not expect Solomon to replace Brad Scott, who was sacked with 18 months left on his contract. He emphasized the rarity of an interim coach being promoted unless they can secure a winning run.
Potential Coaching Changes
Hours after Scott’s departure, Mark Hird expressed interest in returning to Essendon as coach. Industry sources suggest Hird would endorse Solomon as a potential senior coach, not only for his coaching abilities but also for his ability to unify the club.
Hird could also consider being an assistant coach if he is unsuccessful in securing the top job. Solomon has not yet declared whether he will pursue the top role, but he remains focused on leading the team in the short term.
While some potential candidates are waiting for the Bombers to declare whether Hird is a candidate, former Sydney premiership coach John Longmire is also being considered. The Blues are working on assembling a coaching sub-committee to find Voss’ replacement.
Hird, a friend and premiership teammate of Solomon, respects his coaching and development abilities. Welsh and chief executive Tim Roberts are working towards assembling a coaching sub-committee, with job criteria to follow.
