The SEVEN 2021 off-contract players St Kilda could target: Cornes
Should the Saints hold out on Brad Crouch and wait 12 months for a superstar?
Published by
Mitch Keating
The Saints took a major step in breaking their premiership drought in 2020 after making the top eight for the first time in nine years while adding a finals victory against the Bulldogs.
While the club is set to gain Brad Crouch as the Crows star exercises his free agency rights, Kane Cornes believes the Saints should hold off on bringing in the Adelaide midfielder and hold out for a bigger name in 12 months time.
Speaking on AFL Trade Radio's Early Trade, Cornes named the seven players the Saints should target instead.
“There are some stars coming out of contract at the end of next year – and we’re talking the best midfielders in the game,” Cornes told AFL Trade Radio’s The Early Trade.
“I’m going to rank the players coming out of contract that the Saints would have been better served at having a real crack at in 12 months’ time as opposed to rushing into Brad Crouch.”
Cam Rayner (Brisbane)
"Cam Rayner is out of contract at Brisbane. Now at some point the Brisbane Lions’ salary squeeze is going to happen.
BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND - JULY 07: Cameron Rayner of the lions runs with the ball during the round 16 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Carlton Blues at The Gabba on July 7, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Jason O'Brien/AFL Media/Getty Images)
"Is Cam Rayner a midfielder? No he’s not. But can he be a Christian Petracca-type? I think he absolutely can.
"And his age would be better for the Saints."
Zach Merrett (Essendon)
"I think he’s a better fit for the Saints with his ability to use the ball, for the model citizen that he is, the example that he sets."
DARWIN, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 22: Zach Merrett of the Bombers kicks the ball during the round 13 AFL match between the Essendon Bombers and the Richmond Tigers at TIO Stadium on August 22, 2020 in Darwin, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images)
Hugh McCluggage (Brisbane)
"He’s a goalkicking wingman but now plays inside and he’s going to be a very good player for a long time. I would have had a crack at him."
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 16: Hugh McCluggage of the Lions handballs from Daniel Rioli of the Tigers during the round 17 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium on July 16, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Tim Taranto (GWS)
"They’ve already been linked to him.
"He would be a much better option for the Saints."
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 05: Tim Taranto of the Giants celebrates his first AFL goal during the 2017 AFL round 07 match between the St Kilda Saints and the GWS Giants at Etihad Stadium on May 05, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Clayton Oliver (Melbourne)
"Clayton Oliver is a great fit for St Kilda if they offered him a massive deal to leave Melbourne if things don’t go well for him."
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 22: Clayton Oliver of the Demons and David Mundy of the Dockers compete for the ball during the 2019 AFL round 14 match between the Melbourne Demons and the Fremantle Dockers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on June 22, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Patrick Cripps (Carlton)
"It’s unlikely you are going to get Patrick Cripps but he’s out of contract at the end of 2021. Who knows?"
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JULY 27: Patrick Cripps of the Blues in action during the 2019 AFL round 19 match between the Carlton Blues and the Adelaide Crows at Melbourne Cricket Ground on July 27, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs)
"You’re probably not going to get Marcus Bontempelli either but he’s out of contract at the end of 2021 and would be worthwhile having a crack at also."
"I think the Saints would have been better served waiting 12 months’ time and being patient rather than rushing into a five-year deal for Brad Crouch."
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 04: Marcus Bontempelli of the Bulldogs celebrates kicking a goal during the round 20 AFL match between the Brisbane Lions and the Western Bulldogs at The Gabba on August 04, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/AFL Photos via Getty Images )