St. Kilda have been a far-cry from the inspired outfit they were in season 2020, with this year proving bitterly disappointing for the most part.
However based off of recent weeks' results, the Saints might not be in as dire as a position as they first thought, beating Richmond as well as outlasting Collingwood to stay in touch with the top eight.
Despite this there are still deficiencies in Brett Ratten's squad that need to be addressed, meaning activity in the trade period might be pertinent to the Saints campaign next year.
5 Trade Targets:ย Adelaide
5 Trade Targets:ย Brisbane
5 Trade Targets:ย Carlton
5 Trade Targets:ย Collingwood
5 Trade Targets:ย Essendon
5 Trade Targets:ย Fremantle
5 Trade Targets:ย Geelong
5 Trade Targets:ย Gold Coast
5 Trade Targets:ย GWS
5 Trade Targets:ย Hawthornย
5 Trade Targets:ย Melbourne
5 Trade Targets:ย North Melbourne
5 Trade Targets:ย Portย Adelaide
5 Trade Targets: Richmond
We continue our โFive trade targets for every clubโ series withย St. Kilda.ย
In no particular order, here are five players which the Saints recruitment team would do well to target and potentially poach.
5. Josh Kelly
Tipped to be the biggest fish in the sea come trade period 2021, Josh Kelly will be due for a massive pay-packet wherever he plies his trade next year.
The GWS mid has been in superb form for his side in 2021, dazzling in his most recent outing against the Demons.
Josh Kelly from 50 to go with 16 touches and 5 tackles so far at the 'G ๐ฅ#AFLDeesGiants pic.twitter.com/zRSmANyLKy
— AFL (@AFL) July 3, 2021
With news that the Bombers have pulled out of the race for Kelly, it means there is one less club that St. Kilda will have to worry about should they choose to pursue the Victorian-native.
Kelly doesn't need an introduction - clubs know they are getting a ready-made superstar that will comprehensively win the ball around the contest whilst also being a regular goal-threat.
Midfielder
Disposals
Tackles
Clearances
With reports that it will take in excess of $1 million per season to secure Kelly's signature, St. Kilda will have to break the bank to get him, however there is little question over whether he is worth the funds.
Following Dylan Roberton's pre-season retirement, the Saints are likely to have James Frawley and Jake Carlisle call it quits at the end of this season, as well as potentially offloading the likes of Jack Billings, Seb Ross or the oft-injured Dan Hannebery, there might just be room in the coffers at Moorabbin once again.
