{"id":176198,"date":"2024-11-18T15:41:01","date_gmt":"2024-11-18T05:41:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=176198"},"modified":"2024-11-18T15:41:03","modified_gmt":"2024-11-18T05:41:03","slug":"2024-afl-draft-preview-st-kilda-saints","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2024\/11\/18\/2024-afl-draft-preview-st-kilda-saints\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 AFL Draft Preview: St Kilda Saints"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ST KILDA is poised to be a key player in this year’s AFL Draft, boasting a pair of top 10 selections and scope to wreak havoc both with bids and live trades. The Saints also have a trio of club-tied talents to consider on night two and are expected to make at least four selections at the National Draft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> FREE:<\/strong> View the 2024 AFL Draft Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2024 RECORD:<\/strong> 12th | 11-12 | 99.4%
2024 PICKS:<\/strong> 7, 8, 32, 47, 80, 88
FUTURE PICKS:<\/strong> STK R1, STK R2, STK R3, STK R4
ACADEMY\/FATHER-SON NOMINEES:<\/strong> Adrian Cole, Lennox Hofmann (both NGA), Elwood Peckett (F\/S) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

FIRST PICK(S):<\/strong>
Picks 7 & 8<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St Kilda is positioned nicely in the top 10; likely to jump on a slider out of the top handful of selections, and primed to cause some chaos with bids and live trades. Having consecutive selections offers flexibility, with the option to package up a perfect pair or get their man and split the later pick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Saints’ strategy of targeting local talent could influence their direction with picks seven and eight. Smooth moving midfielder Murphy Reid<\/a> has waning interest in the top-end of the order and would be right in St Kilda’s hitting zone, offering innate class and the ability to impact forward of centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His Sandringham Dragons teammate Harry Armstrong<\/a> is also gettable should he be overlooked by the likes of Richmond and Melbourne. The consensus best key forward available, he is a handy point of difference among a draft heavy with midfield talent at the top, and importantly kicks goals for fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Harry Armstrong is a point of difference in the top 10 | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Tall 195cm on-baller Josh Smillie<\/a> could also get through to the Saints having been heavily linked to Richmond. Likewise, high-flying utility Alix Tauru<\/a> would be difficult to pass up. Even less likely sliders like Sid Draper<\/a>, Jagga Smith<\/a>, and Harvey Langford<\/a> could be prime for the taking in some scenarios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Should that kind of talent not be available, St Kilda will be right in the slot for potential bids on Academy-tied prospects Leo Lombard<\/a> (Gold Coast) and Isaac Kako<\/a> (Essendon). Splitting pick eight is also a genuine option given the evenness, depth, and variety of talent throughout the first round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Utilities Bo Allan<\/a> and Tobie Travaglia<\/a> are in high demand within the 8-15 range. One of the pair, or perhaps even Xavier Lindsay<\/a> could even be targets should the Saints split their selection and shuffle back down the order. The possible combinations and machinations are endless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Elwood Peckett is tied to St Kilda via father-son rules | Image Credit: Rookie Me Central<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

REMAINING CROP:<\/strong>
Picks 32, 47, 80, 88<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

St Kilda will more than likely be able to make one more pick before bids on its club-tied players come in. Key defender Adrian Cole<\/a> is likely to attract the highest price, perhaps within the 10 picks after the Saints’ current pick 32. He’s a lockdown type with promising athletic and leadership qualities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another Sandringham and Next Generation Academy product, Lennox Hofmann<\/a> is likely to be St Kilda’s fourth selection, later in the draft. There’s also father-son nominee Elwood Peckett<\/a> (Justin<\/em><\/strong>, 252 games) who could land as a rookie. All three played for St Kilda’s VFL affiliate, Sandringham Zebras this year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a possibility that St Kilda will use its second round pick to place a bid on Carlton father-son Ben Camporeale<\/a>. It would be quite on brand for Stephen Silvagni<\/em><\/strong>, though can be justified by the Saints’ need to add running power and depth to its midfield group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That being the case, perhaps a player like Christian Moraes<\/a> fits the bill. The likes of Xavier Ivisic<\/a> and Josh Dolan<\/a> are other running machines in the mix, while Jack Ough<\/a> is a tall midfielder to consider, and Tom Gross<\/a> looms as a bargain choice with his explosiveness and forward half impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

St Kilda’s has a couple more calls to make via the rookie intake. One of nine delistings, Brad Crouch<\/strong>, is set to be re-listed, while the Saints will also go ahead with its commitment to handing a rookie opportunity to one of their VFL-aligned players. They aren’t exactly spoilt for choice, though. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

KEY QUESTIONS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2013 What kind of combination will St Kilda go for with picks 7 & 8?
\u2013 Will St Kilda commit to splitting pick eight?
\u2013 Will St Kilda be a prominent bidder throughout the order?
\u2013 Where will bids land for St Kilda’s own club-tied talent?
\u2013 Who will St Kilda rookie list from its VFL affiliate?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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