After seven years out of the finals and a strong finish to 2017, David King says St Kilda supporters have every right to demand finals football from their team in 2018.
"I think the St Kilda fans they're happy, they're content, but they're on the point of frustration. They want a result this year,” King said on SEN Mornings.
For the Saints to play finals football, they will need their quality players to shine through, and King says the speedy Jack Steven can be the man who drives the club up the ladder.
"Everyone is waiting for a star to jump up. I just think Jack Steven said I am that man (during the JLT matches),” he said.
“Seb Ross is a good player, but I don’t think he has the ceiling that Jack Steven has got.”
After a dismal first up showing against Carlton, it was much improved performance against Melbourne, one which the former North Melbourne premiership player feels showed that coach Alan Richardson has talent to work with.
“The Saints I thought were in real trouble early in that first quarter. It looked like a ten goal game,” King said.
“To hit the lead mid-late third quarter was a huge performance.
“There’s something there to work with, but I’m at a bit of a loss to where to put them to be honest. I probably even got them in the eight at this stage.
“There’s enough here with Ross, and (Blake) Acres, (Jack) Steele, (Jack) Billings and (Jack) Newnes through the midfield, (Luke) Dunstan has played some good football.”
That young talent includes 2017 draftees Hunter Clark and Nick Coffield, players who King believes can make an impact in their debut year.
“They just show little signs that they are going to be quality, and they are going to be the answer,” he said.
“I think we are going to see it before time, which I think is a fantastic result for the Saints.
To hear David King and his chat wih Kane Cornes on SEN Mornings listen in the player below: