The Saints, who finished tenth on the ladder in season 2022, have participated in just one finals series (2020) over the course of the last 11 years, signalling a desperate need for organisation-altering talent.
St Kilda boasts star midfielder Jack Steele and emerging key forward Max King, but outside of that duo does not possess the players required to take the storied Moorabbin club to the elite level.
However, there is slated to be an abundance of talent available throughout the upcoming trade and free agency period, and the Saints would be wise to capitalise.
Keeping that in mind, we've compiled a list, in no particular order, of five targets St Kilda could consider this off-season to help them rebound next year.
3. Tanner Bruhn
Following the retirement of oft-injured midfielder Dan Hannebery and the increasing ages of veterans Sebastian Ross and Brad Crouch, the Saints might be tempted to look for a long-term midfielder to put next to Steele, Jade Gresham and youngsters Marcus Windhager and Mitch Owens.
However, with the out-of-contract Bruhn carrying a non-free-agent status, a trade would have to be agreed to by both sides.
Further, while reports have suggested Bruhn wants to get back to his home state of Victoria by the end of this year's exchange period, Alastair Clarkson's Kangaroos might beat the Saints to the prize even if Ratten's men do decide to pursue the 20-year-old.
Regardless, the Geelong Falcons product has a bright future in the league after putting the finishing touches on a breakout 2022 campaign, throughout which he averaged almost 12 disposals, 3.5 tackles and 2.1 clearances per game in the orange and charcoal.
