ST KILDA will lay claim to its own reserves side for the first time since 1999 this year. After ceasing their alignment with Sandringham Zebras, who have also driven a strong recruiting campaign, the Saints have built their new VFL list with a focus on youth development and establishing culture.

>> RECRUITMENT DRIVE: Sandringham | South Adelaide | Subiaco

205-game Saints champion Brendon Goddard continues his tenure in charge of the twos after a three-win season with the Zebs. He’ll be supported by some big name appointments like Lenny Hayes as General Manager of Football and midfield coach, and new development coach Dylan Shiel.

We outline all of the Saints’ signings, breaking down the club’s recruiting approach and target areas.

NEW SIGNINGS (17)

SANDRINGHAM ZEBRAS (5): Jonah Campigli, Ned Maginness, Bailey McKenzie, Elwood Peckett, Billy Richardson

STATE LEAGUE (5): Christian Algeri (Collingwood, VFL), Jack Behnk (Casey, VFL), Billy Galimberti (GWS, VFL), Liam Gunson (North Melbourne, VFL), Ethan Warburton (Norwood, SANFL)

TALENT LEAGUE (5): Isaac Baldwin (Giants Academy), Blake Chambers (Eastern Ranges), Reeve Evans (Oakleigh Chargers), Sacha Levine (Sandringham Dragons), Oliver Wilson (Gippsland Power)

LOCAL (2): Tyson McKenzie (Sea Lake Nandaly, NCFL), Tyson Nagel (Old Ivanhoe, VAFA)

While the Saints have been aggressive in remodelling their AFL side with eyes on a finals breakthrough, their VFL squad shapes as a clear developmental tool. The club had previously stated its intention to prioritise bayside talent and recruit from its own reserves pool, so may now be better positioned to do so.

St Kilda has revealed a total of 18 signings across three waves of recruiting announcements, balanced nicely from four key target areas. The first and most obvious was to attract players from Sandringham, so as to continue their alignment with the Saints in 2026.

Arguably the biggest name in that category is Jonah Campigli, who booted 21 majors in his first year at the Zebs. Elwood Peckett also makes the cross with family ties to Moorabbin, along with running machine Ned Maginness, swingman Billy Richardson, and keen goalkicker Bailey McKenzie.

The Saints also targeted an equal number more state league players. Former Collingwood forward Christian Algeri headlines that group after playing 15 VFL games last year. Sandringham Dragons graduate Billy Galimberti and Shepparton native Ethan Warburton return home after stints interstate.

Being quite a young crop, it is no surprise St Kilda has landed a bunch of players fresh out of the Talent League. Two grand finalists in midfielder Sacha Levine and wingman Blake Chambers will push for higher honours, while Oakleigh’s Reeve Evans will be among the over-agers balancing both competitions.

All up, it’s an exciting group of players who can not only seek to compete at state league level, but also strive for higher honours individually. It will be up to them to foster a strong culture and environment of growth with support from St Kilda’s AFL-listed players.