To all those arguing that we are right on track, please spare me you know we are well short of where we should be.
It is pointless to argue that we are on track, we aren't and it sounds like a communist five year plan.
The only stupid part is failing to acknowledge where we are, I'm sure Richo and a few others have a vested interest in bringing in guys like Martin or Kelly I'm yet to be convinced it's in the clubs best interest.
They will argue that we have improved but the plan was to deliver flags.
If you see a flag in this team then I'm surely missing something.
Here's what I posted after the Member's night in August 2013. You tell me where they have stuffed up & left the plan;
I was lucky enough to go along last night & it was an absolutely outstanding initiative by the club. It was all a bit of a blur with some great insight into the future direction of our beloved club. Here's a few things that I can remember;
The night started with Shane Wakelin (filling in for Nettles who was in NZ signing off on an extension of the Wellington deal) who amongst other things confirmed;
*NZ deal to stay at 1 game per year for the next 3 years. Possibility to extend to 1 pre season & another H&A game.
*Saints keen to sign alignment with Sandy for another 2 years. Saints stand alone team playing out of Moorabbin from 2016.
*Moorabbin #1 Community Development Priority for the AFL
Wakes introduced Chris who ran through a brief career history & background of how he came to be at St Kilda. His heartfelt insight into his relationship with Yabby showed to all present that this man is not only the right man for the job of building a St Kilda Premiership side but also that it is a very personal quest for him. Yabby asked Chris to "look after my Saints" during their last time together before the great man passed...
A summary of where our list sits against other clubs (a bit depressing) followed by an analysis of drafting/retention rates (morbid depression) set the picture of where we are & where we need to go.
Chris compared our current situation to where Hawthorn was in 2004 (& he intimately knows both situations).
The list analysis explained how clubs rate players both at their club & at all other clubs using Champion Data & some internal analysis. Chris spoke of the top 12 players at a club being the key to finals success & ran through how premiership teams from 1999-2012 rated (Bris of 2002 & Geel of 2009 were rated the best sides of that timeframe & had 15 Category 1 (elite across the whole competition) or Category 2 (very high consistent performers) player in their sides. He did say that St Kilda was exceptionally unlucky to cop the equal best side of the last 15 years when we had our highest rated side (12 Cat.1 or 2 players).
There was a strategic list plan, including trade targets (with names XXXX'ed out unfortunately)
but a goal of having 4 top 20 picks during the next 3 drafts (so a need to trade in another 1st round pick at some stage- possibly this year). A few trade/draft points summarised;
*CP categorically stated that pick 3 would not be traded.
*GWS playing funny buggers with pick 1- attempting to destablise clubs.
* Talking with 5 key defenders (1 of who contracted- which I assume is Frawley) Age ranging from 19-27.
*Supporters should prepare for unpopular decisions at trade time.
*Dal's contract trigger point- games played- has been reached. Will remain on FA list until his new contract has been submitted to the AFL (which will be after the FA period).
*2014=tough... 2015=sneak up on a few sides, positive signs...2016=clear positive momentum...2017= finals....2018-22= challenging for flag
*Said that should Saad's B sample be positive he will be unable to attend the club in any way shape or form other than to provide anti drug education sessions or receive drug counselling. He can't be employed as a groundsman, in marketing or anything. They are very concerned about Saady's welfare & how the club can support him. They are awaiting direction from the AFL as to whether he can remain on the list.
There was heaps more (Chris spoke for 2 hours) so I'll add some more as it comes back to me.
I left feeling more positive & excited about our future than at any time I can remember. As members we need to hang tough & see this period out..... & get as many supporters to financially support the club as possible.
I said to a mate at the time that I reckon Pelchen could be our best recruit ever... after last night I am absolutely convinced of that. Good times are ahead...
--------------------
The highlighted sections are relevant to your viewpoint. Despite terribly inconsistent performances we are still in the mix to sneak into the finals.
Your argument that the plan hasn't worked is like pulling a lamb roast out of the oven after 30 minutes and complaining that it's undercooked. This post season is critical in bringing in more talent. This season has seen some real positives but also the inconsistent performances that developing teams throw up from time to time.
Your opinion is well noted. No one is right until we can look back in hindsight. Getting aggro about it & acting like you know it all is pretty pointless. I had an argument with someone on here early last season when I posted that I saw similarities between 2016 & 2003. Whoever that was certainly didnt think we woulc only miss out on the finals by percentage.
As a Saints supporter you can either be a defeatist and be right often or be positive and one day be able to say 'stick that right up your ar5e' to the naysayers.