The Shiny Toy Syndrome: Why St Kilda’s Gamble Isn’t Paying Off
There’s something almost poetic about the St Kilda Football Club’s recent trajectory. It’s like watching a kid in a toy store, eyes wide with excitement, grabbing every shiny new gadget in sight—only to realize later that the old, reliable toys were the ones that truly mattered. Personally, I think this analogy isn’t just cute; it’s a stark reflection of the Saints’ strategy over the past few years. And let’s be honest, it’s not working.
The Chase for New Talent: A Double-Edged Sword
Last year, the Saints went on a shopping spree, adding names like Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni, Liam Ryan, and Sam Flanders to their roster. On paper, it looked like a bold move—a team investing in fresh talent to secure its future. But here’s the thing: what happens to the players who were already there? Rowan Marshall, for instance, felt sidelined and has been seeking a trade for the second consecutive year. Callum Wilkie flirted with the Western Bulldogs before being convinced to stay—and even handed the captaincy after Jack Steele was offloaded to Melbourne.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the psychological impact of these moves. Players aren’t just cogs in a machine; they’re humans who value loyalty and stability. When a club prioritizes new signings over existing talent, it sends a message: you’re replaceable. And in a sport where culture and cohesion matter as much as skill, that’s a risky game to play.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: St Kilda’s No Man’s Land
Let’s talk results. Despite their big spend, the Saints have been stuck in what I can only describe as football’s version of purgatory. In 2026, they won just 10 matches, missing out on the wildcard final position by 10 premiership points. Compare that to their 13 wins in 2023 under Ross Lyon’s first season of his second stint, and you’ve got to wonder: was all this upheaval worth it?
From my perspective, the Saints’ leadership seems to be betting on long-term gains. President Andrew Bassat remains optimistic, arguing that the list transformation was necessary and that the midfield showed promise in 2026. But here’s the kicker: in a results-driven industry like the AFL, how long can you afford to wait? Fans and players alike crave success now, not in some vague, undefined future.
The Human Cost of Strategic Missteps
One detail that I find especially interesting is the case of Alix Tauru. Drafted at pick 10 in 2024, Tauru is already chatting with the Gold Coast Suns despite being contracted until 2027. What this really suggests is that even the shiny new toys aren’t feeling secure. And it’s not just about money—though Tauru’s quest for a better deal is a factor. It’s about trust and vision. When a club flip-flops on decisions, like offering Leek Aleer a massive contract only to backtrack, it leaves a sour taste. Aleer and his management were reportedly hurt, and it’s no surprise that Tauru, managed by the same firm, is exploring his options.
The Ross Lyon Factor: Repackaged Hope?
Ross Lyon’s return in 2022 was supposed to be the Saints’ saving grace. After all, he’s a proven coach with a track record. But if you take a step back and think about it, his second stint hasn’t exactly been a fairy tale. The team’s performance has been inconsistent, and the list overhaul hasn’t yielded the results Bassat and the board were hoping for.
This raises a deeper question: is Lyon the right man for this job? Or is he just another shiny toy—a repackaged version of past success that doesn’t quite fit the current context? In my opinion, the Saints’ issues run deeper than coaching. They’re systemic, rooted in a strategy that prioritizes short-term excitement over long-term stability.
The Wanganeen-Milera Saga: A Ticking Time Bomb
Then there’s Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, the Saints’ highest-paid player with a $4 million deal for 2026 and 2027. Halfway through that contract, he’s already being eyed by Port Adelaide and Adelaide for 2028. What many people don’t realize is that this isn’t just about Wanganeen-Milera’s talent; it’s about the Saints’ inability to retain their stars. If they lose him, it’ll be another blow to a club that’s already struggling to find its footing.
The Bigger Picture: Lessons for the AFL
If there’s one thing the Saints’ story teaches us, it’s that chasing shiny new toys isn’t a sustainable strategy. Football clubs are ecosystems, not shopping carts. Players need to feel valued, and fans need to see progress. The Saints’ current approach feels like a gamble—one that’s leaving them in no man’s land.
Personally, I think the AFL should take note. In an era where player movement is more frequent than ever, clubs need to strike a balance between innovation and stability. The Saints’ saga is a cautionary tale, a reminder that sometimes, the old, trusty toys are the ones that win the game.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on the Saints’ journey, I can’t help but wonder: what if they’d invested more in their existing players instead of constantly looking for the next big thing? Would they be in a better position today? It’s a question that doesn’t have an easy answer, but one thing is clear: the Saints’ current strategy isn’t working. And unless they change course, they risk becoming a cautionary tale for clubs across the league.
