2 hours ago
2
The Saints have thrown money that no other club contemplated spending on the five trade targets they will land this trade period (as well as those they didn’t land) in an attempt to push back into contention, having played just three finals (for one win) since Ross Lyon left in 2011.
The Saints will welcome Tom De Koning in 2026 and welcome back Max King after another injury-riddled season.Credit: AFL Photos
That’s annoyed clubs because some players and some managers (not all and not in every instance) are now using St Kilda’s inflated deals as benchmarks when negotiating on behalf of their players.
But that hasn’t deterred the Saints, who think their splurge is well-timed.
Carlton free agents Tom De Koning and Jack Silvagni don’t cost draft picks. Of the remaining three recruits, only the Suns’ Sam Flanders will cost a high draft pick, one St Kilda are prepared to sacrifice in a shallow draft. Leek Aleer and Liam Ryan will come cheap from a draft perspective.
The risk on that front is minimal.
But there is one very big risk involved.
