Former St Kilda 260-gamer Nick Dal Santo believes his old club made a mistake in not bringing at least one of Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna back for another season.
Both players retired at the end of the 2017 season, but Dal Santo has looked at the younger players at the Saints and wonders who is supporting them through these tough times.
“I felt there was an opportunity to keep one of them, if not both of them to get this group ready for moments like they’re going through right now,” Dal Santo told SEN's Afternoons.
“If you’re going to tell me that Montagna and Riewoldt are clogging up the list, then you’re severely mistaken.
“Who’d they be holding back? Montagna played the half back flank role last year, they’ve got players that are doing that this year, but I haven’t seen any real young kids really burst onto the scene that has replaced Montagna.
“Luke Hodge is still in the best 22, he’s not the Hodge that he was when they won three flags, but he’s still a good player in the best 22, I see the same for Montagna and Riewoldt.”
The Saints haven’t won a game since Round 1 against Brisbane and Dal Santo can’t help but feel the pair of veterans could be making a difference if they were there.
“I’ve got concerns about who’s supporting a Jack Billings right now,” he said.
“Who’s supporting a Tim Membrey where he couldn’t hit the side of a barn door from a foot away, but he’s going through some tough times.
“Who’s got the experience, who’s got the understanding, who’s been through similar situations to be able to put that in perspective.
“I would’ve thought if Riewoldt and Montagna were there, even if they weren’t playing on the weekend, they should’ve been able to play 10 to 15 games.”
The Saints face a massive test this weekend when they take on Richmond at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.