After ten rounds St Kilda are perhaps the AFL’s biggest riddle.
Despite a very good run with injury and eight games at Etihad Stadium, the Saints have toppled just one team above them on the ladder and sit outside the eight with a record of 5-5.
Their best win against GWS was one of the most impressive by any team this season, while their performances against Sydney and the Western Bulldogs suggest they’ve still got some serious work to do.
Their forward line is not what it has been with Nick Riewoldt injured, Josh Bruce and Paddy McCartin struggling for fitness and form and Tim Membrey lacking support as a smallish key forward.
Jack Billings has looked like a player who was rightfully drafted alongside Josh Kelly and Marcus Bontempelli in a few games, but still lacks the consistency that Alan Richardson would be hoping to see.
On the positive side, Seb Ross, Dylan Roberton and Jade Gresham have been big improvers, Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown have helped the Saints overcome their struggles against power forwards and Jack Steven remains one of the most underrated players in the competition.
St Kilda fans would love to see their side play finals for the first time since 2011, but with a tricky run home it’s going to be tough from here.
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