Prediction Best 22 - 2026

[SG34]

Can anyone see behind here? https://themongrelpunt.com/afl-season-2026/2025/11/09/knock-knock-are-st-kilda-ready-in-2026/

 

[The Punter]

Higgins v Ryan stats indicate Ryan plays some midfield, which he does.

 

[stavro#4]

Higgins v Ryan stats indicate Ryan plays some midfield, which he does.

Like how Ross said he wants to start using Higgins?

 

[The Punter]

Like how Ross said he wants to start using Higgins?

Yep, so we can compare the stats when Lyon turns his words into actions. Plenty of scope for more people playing midfield minutes next season.

I think what is likely to happen is Ryan's numbers will look more like Higgins as neither gets much of a go in the midfield.

Until we play football in 2026, I will remain unconvinced that Ryan was in a position of need or will outplay who we already have. But I will be happy to be wrong.

 

[stavro#4]

Yep, so we can compare the stats when Lyon turns his words into actions. Plenty of scope for more people playing midfield minutes next season.

I think what is likely to happen is Ryan's numbers will look more like Higgins as neither gets much of a go in the midfield.

Until we play football in 2026, I will remain unconvinced that Ryan was in a position of need or will outplay who we already have. But I will be happy to be wrong.

So you have a guy who comes in, whose strengths are areas where we lack in our front third.

• Xfactor
• Overhead marking
• goals/assists

Whose stats are similar to that of Higgins who as a fanbase we all universally agree was a career season and more to come hopefully.

Who would enable us to explore using Higgins/Ryan/Henry and whoever else through our midfield like the likes of: Hawthorn, Geelong, Sydney, Adelaide,Collingwood and the back2back premiers Brisbane use to maximum effect.

Yet we can’t see the value or in your own words, “remain unconvinced” of Ryan - who has done this with impact across multiple seasons.

Such an interesting point of view some fans have of Ryan.

 

[The Punter]

So you have a guy who comes in, whose strengths are areas where we lack in our front third.

• Xfactor
• Overhead marking
• goals/assists

Whose stats are similar to that of Higgins who as a fanbase we all universally agree was a career season and more to come hopefully.

Who would enable us to explore using Higgins/Ryan/Henry and whoever else through our midfield like the likes of: Hawthorn, Geelong, Sydney, Adelaide,Collingwood and the back2back premiers Brisbane use to maximum effect.

Yet we can’t see the value or in your own words, “remain unconvinced” of Ryan - who has done this with impact across multiple seasons.

Such an interesting point of view some fans have of Ryan.

"Some fans"... I love it when I get this considering what I would believe is a very well earned reputation for discussing things in good faith.

I have a different view to many on what plagues our forward line, which in 2025 was the best performing (highest scoring) it had been since 2017 with the exception of 2020: lack of forward pressure. Basically, I believe we miss not an x-factor player who can roll through midfield (this could be achieved IMO with some combination of Hall and Higgins who we already have), but a genuine pressure forward. We miss 2020/2023 Dan Butler. It could be Butler returning to form or Collard taking the next step, but I doubt it's Liam Ryan.

I also believe we can't go into next season and have sustainable success playing Owens as a third forward, with a lot of the time him playing on the ground with only one other key forward as one rests. IMO Owens needs to play as the fourth forward. That forward seven man rotation looks like this:

Genuine full forward: Max King
Lead up marking half forward: Cooper Sharman
Resting ruckman who can play forward and is a get out target: Rowan Marshall
Hybrid marking/ground level forward: Mitch Owens
Genuine goalkicking small forward: Jack Higgins
Pressure forward: Dan Butler
High half-forward: Max Hall

Everyone except Butler, right now, I don't really want to see Ryan get a game in front of. He would have to outperform one of those six at their specific roles. And there is little evidence that Ryan can become the pressure forward Butler has been in the only two years in the last 14 where we've made finals.

So I struggle to see how Ryan plays without one of these things happening:

1. We play too small
2. We don't have a pressure forward
3. Higgins or Hall end up at VFL
4. Some other promising mid (think Garcia, Boxshall or Wilson) misses out to accommodate a forward in the mid rotation

I sincerely wish Ryan smashes it, but I don't understand it from a list management decision. Yes he has undeniable talents, but I don't want to see other things sidelined (such as see us play too small or with no pressure forward).

 

[stavro#4]

"Some fans"... I love it when I get this considering what I would believe is a very well earned reputation for discussing things in good faith.

I have a different view to many on what plagues our forward line, which in 2025 was the best performing (highest scoring) it had been since 2017 with the exception of 2020: lack of forward pressure. Basically, I believe we miss not an x-factor player who can roll through midfield (this could be achieved IMO with some combination of Hall and Higgins who we already have), but a genuine pressure forward. We miss 2020/2023 Dan Butler. It could be Butler returning to form or Collard taking the next step, but I doubt it's Liam Ryan.

I also believe we can't go into next season and have sustainable success playing Owens as a third forward, with a lot of the time him playing on the ground with only one other key forward as one rests. IMO Owens needs to play as the fourth forward. That forward seven man rotation looks like this:

Genuine full forward: Max King
Lead up marking half forward: Cooper Sharman
Resting ruckman who can play forward and is a get out target: Rowan Marshall
Hybrid marking/ground level forward: Mitch Owens
Genuine goalkicking small forward: Jack Higgins
Pressure forward: Dan Butler
High half-forward: Max Hall

Everyone except Butler, right now, I don't really want to see Ryan get a game in front of. He would have to outperform one of those six at their specific roles. And there is little evidence that Ryan can become the pressure forward Butler has been in the only two years in the last 14 where we've made finals.

So I struggle to see how Ryan plays without one of these things happening:

1. We play too small
2. We don't have a pressure forward
3. Higgins or Hall end up at VFL
4. Some other promising mid (think Garcia, Boxshall or Wilson) misses out to accommodate a forward in the mid rotation

I sincerely wish Ryan smashes it, but I don't understand it from a list management decision. Yes he has undeniable talents, but I don't want to see other things sidelined (such as see us play too small or with no pressure forward).

It wasn’t an attack on you. There are some fans and I’ve had this discussion on Bigfooty with a few about Ryan and the lack of desire or excitement for him.

Facts are that of the 4 players we landed. He has the most proven pedigree. All Australian and a premiership player.

To address your points:

1. With a fully fit side, not sure it’s possible to play too small and even if we did. Ryan is excellent above his head. It’s his strength that puts him apart from any of our other smalls
2. In 2025..
Butler: 1.5 tackles per game 1 tackle inside 50
Ryan: 2.3 tackles per game 0.9 tackle inside 50

There the facts. Outside of that, “pressure” is about effort to chase. There shouldn’t be a role in outside designated for a guy to do lots of chasing and football second.

3. Hall will play more midfield and based on Ross’s interview he sees a similar opportunity for Higgins. We can’t have all these smalls and think their value is purely inside 50. There skills are often transferable around the contest for clearances.

4. We have 5 on the bench. Marshall plays as a second key forward. So we don’t lose the spot to a ruck. Means more flexibility

 

[The Punter]

It wasn’t an attack on you. There are some fans and I’ve had this discussion on Bigfooty with a few about Ryan and the lack of desire or excitement for him.

Facts are that of the 4 players we landed. He has the most proven pedigree. All Australian and a premiership player.

To address your points:

1. With a fully fit side, not sure it’s possible to play too small and even if we did. Ryan is excellent above his head. It’s his strength that puts him apart from any of our other smalls
2. In 2025..
Butler: 1.5 tackles per game 1 tackle inside 50
Ryan: 2.3 tackles per game 0.9 tackle inside 50

There the facts. Outside of that, “pressure” is about effort to chase. There shouldn’t be a role in outside designated for a guy to do lots of chasing and football second.

3. Hall will play more midfield and based on Ross’s interview he sees a similar opportunity for Higgins. We can’t have all these smalls and think their value is purely inside 50. There skills are often transferable around the contest for clearances.

4. We have 5 on the bench. Marshall plays as a second key forward. So we don’t lose the spot to a ruck. Means more flexibility

If 2025 Butler is 2026 Butler, 2027 Butler is playing back at Ballarat.

And IMO we need tall targets rather than small players who are good above their heads in 1 on 1s. Players who can take contested marks and break packs.

 

[littlecreatures]

"Some fans"... I love it when I get this considering what I would believe is a very well earned reputation for discussing things in good faith.

I have a different view to many on what plagues our forward line, which in 2025 was the best performing (highest scoring) it had been since 2017 with the exception of 2020: lack of forward pressure. Basically, I believe we miss not an x-factor player who can roll through midfield (this could be achieved IMO with some combination of Hall and Higgins who we already have), but a genuine pressure forward. We miss 2020/2023 Dan Butler. It could be Butler returning to form or Collard taking the next step, but I doubt it's Liam Ryan.

I also believe we can't go into next season and have sustainable success playing Owens as a third forward, with a lot of the time him playing on the ground with only one other key forward as one rests. IMO Owens needs to play as the fourth forward. That forward seven man rotation looks like this:

Genuine full forward: Max King
Lead up marking half forward: Cooper Sharman
Resting ruckman who can play forward and is a get out target: Rowan Marshall
Hybrid marking/ground level forward: Mitch Owens
Genuine goalkicking small forward: Jack Higgins
Pressure forward: Dan Butler
High half-forward: Max Hall

Everyone except Butler, right now, I don't really want to see Ryan get a game in front of. He would have to outperform one of those six at their specific roles. And there is little evidence that Ryan can become the pressure forward Butler has been in the only two years in the last 14 where we've made finals.

So I struggle to see how Ryan plays without one of these things happening:

1. We play too small
2. We don't have a pressure forward
3. Higgins or Hall end up at VFL
4. Some other promising mid (think Garcia, Boxshall or Wilson) misses out to accommodate a forward in the mid rotation

I sincerely wish Ryan smashes it, but I don't understand it from a list management decision. Yes he has undeniable talents, but I don't want to see other things sidelined (such as see us play too small or with no pressure forward).

IMO, I think you’ll find both Hall and Ryan will play the half forward roles, both able to connect inside 50 at a more elite level which we’ve lacked significantly.

Ryan’s also strong overhead in comparison to Hall who will also rotate through the middle.

I think any side needs at least two quality half forwards notwithstanding injuries so you need depth too.

 

[saintmike65]

They'll get time in their for sure, but they have shown amazing form/potential in other positions. Hall was a Top 5 rated player in the comp for a good bit playing half forward, Wilson is an elite runner and has great goal sense as a forward/wing. Everyone can't and doesn't have to be a midfielder

Good sides have 8-9 midfield player rotations

 

[stfan]

Hall was a Top 5 rated player in the comp for a good bit playing half forward,

I see Hall's last season quite differently.

While is nominated position was half forward, he was actually part of our "super-sized" midfield in 2026.

With St Kilda's midfield quality being not so good our coaches were endeavouring to have an outnumber at the ball when possible and at most of the midfield contests and ball-ups except the centre bounce where it not possible. Hall was very much key in that as he is an exceptionally good ball-user. When he gets the ball good things happen.

I the game where Nas won all the plaudits Hall in the midfield in the last quarter was a huge reason why we got up.

 

[SG34]

1) .....Dan Butler. It could be Butler returning to form or Collard taking the next step, but I doubt it's Liam Ryan.

2) I also believe we can't go into next season and have sustainable success playing Owens as a third forward, ....

3) Genuine full forward: Max King
Lead up marking half forward: Cooper Sharman
Resting ruckman who can play forward and is a get out target: Rowan Marshall
Hybrid marking/ground level forward: Mitch Owens
Genuine goalkicking small forward: Jack Higgins
Pressure forward: Dan Butler
High half-forward: Max Hall

Everyone except Butler, right now, I don't really want to see Ryan get a game in front of. .....

So I struggle to see how Ryan plays without one of these things happening:
....

Thank you for your detailed comments. I have omitted a lot for this reply, and added numbers to refer to them as points.
1) Butler kicked four goals once last year. At the moment he is about Dean Kent. He needs some attention by the oppo but he won't bother anyone. BUT ..I thought he'd lost his magic after 2020, and when people say 'good defensive forward' I read that as shorthand for 'second to the ball', BUT he was still kicking 30 goals a few seasons since. when his injury happened before the GWS final, and he played and couldn't kick over a tin can, and when I thought I studied that his injury is degenerative I just thought 'cooked'. Sure, he's a pro and can do a little flash here and there, but not a sustained season, game in game out. So i am penciling him as Reserves at best.
2) Micthito is an interesting one. I think we've seen his best. His best isn't bad, but it wouldn't surprise me if he sees some seconds time in '26 if he persists as a forwar. He has some magic but he is an atrocious shot for goal. I suspect he might end up as a defender and a good one.
3) Higgo will stay as a forward, like a wombat around his hole. I can't see him running around on the ball and I don't trust Ross when he says stuff OR or do we, because contradictory to that is the case of big Max. Although he was hired as a stay at home forward, I think he is too fragile and beaten up for that. I see him running up the flanks this year. NOt as good as Ben in that respect but still good and a booming kick. Marshall isn't much of a forward but he could really help here. He could slip into the square when Max runs out. For Max's longevity, he can't stay at home anymore. He's been beaten into a pulp. Shoulders are mashed potatoes. (says Dr. Me) Max Hall is a ripper. No idea what his limits are. So I think a player like Ryan will be indispensable in this set-up. He's a huge pick-up. He might not be fit or focused, I'm not sure. But Hilly might help. And Hill killed the time trials so he is still gonna do his stuff.

Anyway, a few thoughts

 

[The Punter]

Anyway, a few thoughts

I think the importance of a pressure forward, whose job is to create goals through pressure rather than kick or assist them directly, is understated by too many.

And Owens will not turn 23 years old until Grand Final Week next year. Without a major traumatic injury, I think it is not advisable to think he's already hit his peak. He's a see ball get ball player, and we have enough of those in the backline already. The players I would be looking to convert into defenders are the ones who can prevent an opponent have an influence.

 

[gringo2011]

I see Hall's last season quite differently.

While is nominated position was half forward, he was actually part of our "super-sized" midfield in 2026.

With St Kilda's midfield quality being not so good our coaches were endeavouring to have an outnumber at the ball when possible and at most of the midfield contests and ball-ups except the centre bounce where it not possible. Hall was very much key in that as he is an exceptionally good ball-user. When he gets the ball good things happen.

I the game where Nas won all the plaudits Hall in the midfield in the last quarter was a huge reason why we got up.

That's a high half forward role. They are basically extra wings that need to run up with the play and then get back to provide the kick inside 50 and ideally score themselves in they get the opportunity. He was definitely fed into the centre bounce line up later in the year and really shone.

 

[gringo2011]

IMO, I think you’ll find both Hall and Ryan will play the half forward roles, both able to connect inside 50 at a more elite level which we’ve lacked significantly.

Ryan’s also strong overhead in comparison to Hall who will also rotate through the middle.

I think any side needs at least two quality half forwards notwithstanding injuries so you need depth too.

Ryan's contested game is underrated as well. He's a strong one on one player.

 

[TheSaintsAreComing!]

Like how Ross said he wants to start using Higgins?

I doubt Ross would do that with Flanders there now

Thank you for your detailed comments. I have omitted a lot for this reply, and added numbers to refer to them as points.
1) Butler kicked four goals once last year. At the moment he is about Dean Kent. He needs some attention by the oppo but he won't bother anyone. BUT ..I thought he'd lost his magic after 2020, and when people say 'good defensive forward' I read that as shorthand for 'second to the ball', BUT he was still kicking 30 goals a few seasons since. when his injury happened before the GWS final, and he played and couldn't kick over a tin can, and when I thought I studied that his injury is degenerative I just thought 'cooked'. Sure, he's a pro and can do a little flash here and there, but not a sustained season, game in game out. So i am penciling him as Reserves at best.
2) Micthito is an interesting one. I think we've seen his best. His best isn't bad, but it wouldn't surprise me if he sees some seconds time in '26 if he persists as a forwar. He has some magic but he is an atrocious shot for goal. I suspect he might end up as a defender and a good one.
3) Higgo will stay as a forward, like a wombat around his hole. I can't see him running around on the ball and I don't trust Ross when he says stuff OR or do we, because contradictory to that is the case of big Max. Although he was hired as a stay at home forward, I think he is too fragile and beaten up for that. I see him running up the flanks this year. NOt as good as Ben in that respect but still good and a booming kick. Marshall isn't much of a forward but he could really help here. He could slip into the square when Max runs out. For Max's longevity, he can't stay at home anymore. He's been beaten into a pulp. Shoulders are mashed potatoes. (says Dr. Me) Max Hall is a ripper. No idea what his limits are. So I think a player like Ryan will be indispensable in this set-up. He's a huge pick-up. He might not be fit or focused, I'm not sure. But Hilly might help. And Hill killed the time trials so he is still gonna do his stuff.

Anyway, a few thoughts

Nailed with the Higgo comment especially now we have Flanders , now that Jack is becoming more consistent with his goalkicking and had a breakout year why would you move him with so many more options just doesn’t make sense imho !

 

[hayes]

I wouldn’t be moving Hall just yet. He’s only just finished his first year, I’d let him continue being elite at HF which is right up there in importance with mids anyway. Highest rated player in the comp for a few weeks so I wouldn’t be messing with that just yet.

 

[SaintsofSteel]

I think the importance of a pressure forward, whose job is to create goals through pressure rather than kick or assist them directly, is understated by too many.

And Owens will not turn 23 years old until Grand Final Week next year. Without a major traumatic injury, I think it is not advisable to think he's already hit his peak. He's a see ball get ball player, and we have enough of those in the backline already. The players I would be looking to convert into defenders are the ones who can prevent an opponent have an influence.

I can understand the reasoning behind recruiting Ryan, because he is a multi talented small forward but Im just concerned as to how he will go playing out of Victoria. He has already shown he is no where elite fitness with his running at training.

If the majority of our F50 can win their one on one marking contests less ball gets turned over and obviously less rebound pressure is required. We need King, Marshall & other players to start clunking their marks, which is really Butlers major weakness - he cant make a contest in the air. Butler was at his best when we were playing that sling shot style footy but thats not sustainable.

The other consideration hopefully next year we can win first possession and produce more entries from the centre square. Obviously it will take some pressure off our defence and result in us being able to press the forward half of the ground much better. Getting 2nd or 3rd repeat forward entries is not something we have done well. We have tended to rely too heavily on defensive turnovers and movement out of defence for our entries.

 

[SG34]

I think the importance of a pressure forward, whose job is to create goals through pressure rather than kick or assist them directly, is understated by too many.

And Owens will not turn 23 years old until Grand Final Week next year. Without a major traumatic injury, I think it is not advisable to think he's already hit his peak. ......

1. OK.. I see. But he is taking up the space of a potentially creative forward. I admit, that I thought this defensive forward thing was an excuse for players losing their edge. At best, I thought their job was to shut down a running back like Jack Sinclair. With five on the bench now I wonder if a team can bank on the concept of a specialist defensive forward. I think defenders and mids can fall into the forward line for that.
2. Yeah, I should hold off on Mitcho pronouncements but I think he's frankly been disappointing as a forward. I realise he has played that small ruckman role because of his strength and skill. He's definitely got something and its exciting when the ball goes up there and he's around. Maybe my expectations are too high? I just wondered if he might be more suited down back. That strength! A bit of Spud, a bit of Jake Lever?

 

[Jade Buddha]

The best forward lines have multiple options, talls, smalls, agile, marking options, ground level players. We need more options not just a focus on about 3 or 4 players. 7 or 8 goal kicking options along with midfield rotations that kick goals.
Ryan is one of those options.

 

[saintmike65]

The best forward lines have multiple options, talls, smalls, agile, marking options, ground level players. We need more options not just a focus on about 3 or 4 players. 7 or 8 goal kicking options along with midfield rotations that kick goals.
Ryan is one of those options.

We'll potentially have some goal kicking mids in Nas, Wilson, Hall and Flanders...something we haven't previously had!

 

[saintmike65]

I wouldn’t be moving Hall just yet. He’s only just finished his first year, I’d let him continue being elite at HF which is right up there in importance with mids anyway. Highest rated player in the comp for a few weeks so I wouldn’t be messing with that just yet.

Hally's ready to get a more prominent role with more CBA's

 

[Saints43]

If 2025 Butler is 2026 Butler, 2027 Butler is playing back at Ballarat.

And IMO we need tall targets rather than small players who are good above their heads in 1 on 1s. Players who can take contested marks and break packs.

I reckon Ryan could take over the Mason Wood role.
Good runner, good overhead, great field kick with some goal threat.

 

[saintmike65]

I reckon Ryan could take over the Mason Wood role.
Good runner, good overhead, great field kick with some goal threat.

Banfield will be the Mason Wood replacement

 

[L_W_P]

Yep, so we can compare the stats when Lyon turns his words into actions. Plenty of scope for more people playing midfield minutes next season.

I think what is likely to happen is Ryan's numbers will look more like Higgins as neither gets much of a go in the midfield.

Until we play football in 2026, I will remain unconvinced that Ryan was in a position of need or will outplay who we already have. But I will be happy to be wrong.

Who is our 2nd small forward if not Ryan?

Butler is a more defensive option. Mini McQualter style.

Collard has talent but is totally unproven.

Said was delisted and kept as a rookie for contract reasons.

Liam Ryan presents a genuine threat inside 50. Defenders and defensive structures have to account for him. Our mids are being given another marking target to deliver to as well, giving more space to Higgins, Owens and Sharman as small/mid size targets when playing deep.

Then there's his high marking ability.

The "Dump it to King" tactic that drives us all insane shouldn't be used too often but when it happens then the opposition have to be aware that Ryan could come flying in over the top.