St Kilda head into 2022 after a rollercoaster season last year relegated them to tenth place and an awfully uneventful September.

With Brett Ratten entering his third season in charge and Jack Steele shaping up to have yet another inspirational season, many are wondering what version of St Kilda we are going to see on the field this season.

INS/OUTSย 

In: Tom Campbell, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, Mitchito Owens, Marcus Windhager, Oscar Adams, Jack Peris, Josiah Kyle, Jack Hayes

Out: Jake Carlisle, James Frawley, Shaun McKernan, Dylan Roberton, Oscar Clavarino, Sam Alabakis, Luke Dunstan, Paul Hunter, Jack Lonie

DOWNLOAD NOW:ย AFL Zero Hanger 2022 Season Guide

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Breakout playerย 

Max Kingย 

After his first season as a Saint was written off due to an ACL injury, King has had a point to prove since his debut in 2020. Playing 38 games since then (20 in 2021), the 202cm key forward has continued to impress with his freakish athleticism and strong overhead marks.

The 21-year-old booted 38 goals in 2021, a career best, but was often maligned by punters due to his inaccuracy in front of goal. King's Round 9 performance against Geelong, a match the Saints lost by 21 points, was heavily criticised after the forward kicked 1.5.

AFL Rd 4 - St Kilda v West Coast
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 10: Max King of the Saints celebrates a goal during the round four AFL match between the St Kilda Saints and the West Coast Eagles at Marvel Stadium on April 10, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

As the season went on, King seemed to grow more comfortable in front of goals, claiming a 6-goal haul (at 75% accuracy) against the Eagles in Round 19.

It's no secret that key forwards can take a little longer to develop than other prospects and heading into his third season, with a full pre-season under his belt, 2022 is looming as the year King can make a statement on the competition.

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