As the cold light of day breaks on yet another St Kilda submission for the most dysfunctional organisation in the history of sport, fans are rightly wondering, what next? Having sacked coach Brett Ratten within four months of extending his contract, the club is reeling.
The Saints started the season well, securing eight wins prior to the bye rounds. From there however, they fell apart, putting up several insipid performances and missing finals.
After yet another irrelevant season, the club missed out on top free agency target Jordan De Goey, before doing little of note in the remainder of the trade period.
A mediocre list has only welcomed free agent Zaine Cordy, whilst taking just one first-round pick to the national draft. The circumstances at St Kilda are dire, to say the least.
Yet, more fuel was thrown on the dumpster fire last night when AFL Media's Cal Twomey broke the news that the club was set to sack Ratten, less than 100 days after re-signing him.
Following an external review of the club's operations across every facet, changes were always going to be made. Several new faces have joined the club's football department, however, the sacking of Ratten has still shocked the football world.
A decision "as brutal as they come" in an industry where brutal calls are commonplace, Ratten is widely spoken about as one of footy's genuinely good people. That will be of little comfort to him following the club's shock decision.
With all of that in mind, we take a look at who might be brave enough to take on the most daunting task in the AFL.
The clear front-runner at this point. A sensational return to St Kilda for Ross Lyon could be a very real possibility. Despite President Andrew Bassett and CEO Simon Leathlean both denying the club had spoken to any candidates, there is growing speculation Lyon will be the club's man.
Lyon needs no introduction, having coached in the AFL for over a decade, taking both St Kilda and Fremantle to grand finals. With a career-winning percentage of just over 56%, his finals record is what would appeal to the Saints most.
Perhaps the biggest hint came as soon as Bassett had finished reading his statement, when the news of Ratten's sacking broke late last night, directly asked both President and CEO if they had "spoken to Ross Lyon".
RELATED: Former St Kilda coach Ross Lyon ready to answer call on top job
Despite the denials, Bassett potentially let slip that a coach was already in waiting before Lethlean quickly jumped in to clarify that no one had yet been spoken to.
As a successful former coach of both two perennial dissapointments, Lyon would bring much-needed experience and high standards to a playing list that all too often picks and chooses when to show up and have a crack.
As one of the greatest ever to represent St Kilda, Harvey would undoubtedly be a popular choice. The dual Brownlow medalist spent a decade at Collingwood following his playing days and has put together an impressive CV.
He started as the midfield coach there in 2012 and even won the AFL Coaches Association's Assistant Coach of the Year Award in 2013. He followed that up by becoming the club's senior assistant coach in 2014 and has gone from strength to strength since.
RELATED: Saints move on from senior coach Brett Ratten
Often mentioned whenever a position opens up at Moorabbin, it remains to be seen if Harvey has any interest in coaching the Saints after already interviewing for the role in years gone by.
While the idea of Harvey coaching the Saints would no doubt warm the hearts of fans everywhere, it may be a case of not wanting to sour the memory of a beloved icon of the club.
The Saints faithful would probably love to see the former midfield general take the top job. The club legend has returned to where he endeared himself to so many, taking on the role as the midfield coach ahead of season 2023.
Saints fans have longed for Hayes' return to the fold to help develop the club's lacklustre midfield yet taking the top job would likely be the ultimate fantasy for many.
SEE ALSO: Saints admit Ratten's mid-season contract extension was "wrong decision"
Having spent several years at the GWS Giants, where he shaped a star-studded midfield into one that competed regularly for a top-four position, he appears to be on the right path to one day be a senior coach.
As fanciful as it is, stranger things have happened and the Saints are never too far away from shocking the competition with their decision-making, as the last 24 hours have demonstrated.
The highly-rated Melbourne assistant has long been touted as a senior coach in waiting. Having been a leading candidate for the Essendon and GWS roles earlier in the off-season, he appears to be among the favourites for the St Kilda job.
Whether Yze is interested is another matter, one which will become clearer over the coming weeks. The Saints opted for experience with Ratten, they may prefer to try and unearth the next Craig McCrae this time.
After being among the final few candidates for the GWS job, Yze was approached by the Bombers about interviewing for the top job. While the role went to Brad Scott, Yze is thought to have plenty of admirers inside the AFL industry.
Another of the leading candidates, Buckley's track record speaks for itself. Having taken Collingwood to within a kick of glory, he would be well-placed to tackle the tough assignment at St Kilda.
Since departing Collingwood, Buckley has spent a lot of time in the media, although he is reported to still harbour ambitions to coach at the highest level again.
Despite having commented that he is happy in the media and not considering coaching for at least another 12 months, the lure of a senior coaching position may be too strong to resist for the Magpie legend.
The ultimate professional as a player, Buckley's high standards would likely appeal to Saints footy chiefs, who are desperate for someone to implement a change of attitude upon their playing list.