WITH the 2021 trade period done and dusted, it is now time for clubs and fans alike to turn their attention to the draft. Between now and draft day (November 24/25), clubs have had the opportunity to exchange picks with the final order formed just over a week out. While the chaos settles, Rookie Me Central takes a look at how each club may approach the upcoming intake with the hand they formed at the close of trade period.

Next under the microscope is St Kilda, a club with notable Next Generation Academy (NGA) talent to consider and a well-placed first round pick.

CURRENT PICKS: 9, 55, 61, 65, 66, 81

2022 PICKS: STK Round 1, STK Round 2, STK Round 3

ACADEMY/FATHER-SON NOMINEES:

Josiah Kyle, Mitch Owens, Jack Peris, Marcus Windhager (all NGA)

LIST NEEDS:

+ Midfield class
+ Key position depth

FIRST PICK OPTIONS:
(Pick 9)

Even pending which players are available, St Kilda is likely to look at adding a bit of polish to its midfield group with pick nine. Of course, the Saints’ selection will inevitably slide down a couple of spots to number 11 once the early father-son bids roll in.

West Australian Matthew Johnson is one who suits the Saints’ needs well. The 192cm midfielder is all class with ball in hand, showcasing enormous poise and the type of skill which makes him a player you want delivering the ball inside attacking 50. Only problem is, Fremantle may well snap the local talent up before St Kilda can.

Another who fits the bill is Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, the step-son of 30-game former Saint, Terry Milera. Having shone at representative level and in Glenelg’s League side, the flying wingman shot right into top 15 calculations and would be a nice fit for the Saints. Like Johnson, his agility and ball use are top notch and can hurt the opposition.

The Saints could also look local and Sandringham Dragons leader Josh Sinn is a player close to home. The dashing midfielder-defender breaks the lines with his speed and booming left-foot kick, with his size another impressive attribute. Elsewhere, Tyler Sonsie‘s class will be hard to ignore, while Josh Goater is an impressive athlete in the mix with massive potential and versatility.

Pick 11 is also a good spot to pick up potential top 10 sliders, and there are a few who might just slip through to the Saints. If overlooked by the likes of Hawthorn and Richmond, Josh Ward would be an ideal addition in midfield, while tall Subiaco midfielder Neil Erasmus may come into consideration for his work rate, and high-marking key defender Josh Gibcus looms as a massive steal on the off chance that clubs like GWS and Gold Coast pass him up early on.

REMAINING CROP:

St Kilda has a bunch of picks remaining after its first, but that haul is deceiving and will likely disappear in a flash with the incoming NGA bids. The Saints’ current crop (picks 55, 61, 65, 66) adds up to 512 points, enough to match a single bid at pick 36. With things as they are, St Kilda will likely go into points deficit next year and has some live trading to do.

Mitch Owens is the prospect who will have St Kilda sweating the most, with GWS one of the few clubs considering him early in round one and most importantly, before the pick 20 safety zone. Even if he survives past that point and into round two, the Saints will likely also have a Marcus Windhager bid to match in the 25-40 range.

With much of its 2022 allotment remaining intact, St Kilda could look to trade back into this year’s draft and not only seek ample bid coverage, but potentially make room for another live selection of its own. Other NGA nominees Josiah Kyle (small forward) and Jack Peris (wing/small forward) will likely slip through as rookies, an ideal result for the Saints.

KEY QUESTIONS:

> Will Mitch Owens attract a bid before pick 20?
> How many NGA nominees will St Kilda end up with?
> Will St Kilda look to trade back into this year’s draft?