North Melbourne great David King has doubled down on his criticism of St Kilda's high-priced recruits in Brad Hill and Brad Crouch, whilst 'putting a line' through the club's 2021 campaign.
Speaking on Fox Footy over the weekend, King questioned the output the Saints have received from the midfield duo following their loss to Port Adelaide on Saturday.
“They’ve missed their opportunity now, 2021’s over,” King said.
“It’s on the back of their recruits, their big money boys. Brad Crouch doesn’t seize the moment, doesn’t take the opportunity.
“Brett Ratten’s told us we’ve got to get the ball to Brad Hill because he’s our laser. (He) kicks it straight to the opposition.
“If you’re going to recruit these guys and pay big money, they’ve got to be the reason you win, not the reason you lose.”
The loss means St Kilda currently occupy 11th place on the ladder with an 8-9 record, yet sit level with eighth-placed Essendon on points.
However, when speaking on SEN, King reiterated his disappointment in last year's finals bolter, stating their finals chances are blown.
“I’m getting hammered by Saints fans for saying that the kicking skills of the big-money boys let this team down late. Brad Crouch and Brad Hill,” King said.
Midfield
Disposals
Tackles
Marks
“This was a game that was waiting for one person – and this is why I say it comes back to the big-money boys. This is why you get them, to win games of football.
“The spend is about the worth of a win.
“People say you’re too hard on him. This is the reality of performance at this level. If you fail, you miss the finals. They miss the finals on the back of what they’ve recruited. The niceties go out of footy pretty quick – it’s a blown season – they don’t recover from the weekend.
“Put a line through St Kilda. It is a disappointing campaign whatever way you look at it.”
St Kilda entered the 2021 season with arguably the toughest fixture across the competition, having to face the Tigers, Cats, Power, Swans and Eagles on two occasions.
Brett Ratten's side face a potential finals contender in each of their remaining five matches, with the Eagles, Blues, Swans, Cats and Dockers in their sights.
Should the men in red, white and black managed to land four points in their trip to face West Coast in Perth this weekend, their tilt for a top-eight finish will be as strong as any current outsider.