Tim Watson believes the jury is out on St Kilda’s dealings during the trade period.
After a forgettable 2019 season, the Saints went about rejuvenating their list by securing five recruits as they look to climb the ladder next year under new full-time coach Brett Ratten.
Brad Hill, Dougal Howard, Paddy Ryder, Zak Jones and Dan Butler all landed at Moorabbin with Josh Bruce and Jack Steven finding new homes at the Western Bulldogs and Geelong respectively.
“Everybody has been waxing lyrically about how well St Kilda did in the trade period,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“Brad Hill finished third in Freo’s best and fairest. Dougal Howard … didn’t finish anywhere, Paddy Ryder … didn’t finish anywhere, Dan Butler … didn’t finish anywhere, (Zak) Jones … didn’t finish in the top 10.
“We have all jumped on board. It surprised me that none of these guys had finished better. I know Butler didn’t play a lot this year, Jones I thought would have been a top 10 player for Sydney … we knew that Dougal Howard finished the year playing in the twos.
“Maybe we just need to pull back a little bit on how well they have recruited.”
St Kilda is aiming for 50,000 members in 2020 on the back of their heavy recruitment drive.
The Saints last played finals football in 2011.