St Kilda defender Dougal Howard is dreaming of a Grand Final appearance in 2021.
Moorabbin was a popular destination again last year, with the Saints luring Brad Crouch from Adelaide, Jack Higgins from Richmond and ex-Hawk James Frawley out of retirement.
Howard suggested even matching last year’s semi-final exit would be a regression for the Saints.
“With what we did last year, the vibe of the group, the position with age, the people we’ve brought in … I think we’re in a really good position to take a step forward, go a little bit deeper into finals and hopefully a Grand Final," Howard told SEN Mornings.
“(Crouch) is a great personality. I met him a couple of times in Adelaide.
“He’s got that gut-running ability to work from contest to contest and find the footy.
“To add him to the midfield with 'Steeley' (Jack Steele), 'Jonesy' (Zak Jones), (Jade) Gresham and (Dan) Hannebery, we’re getting a nice bit of depth.”
Higgins, who won the 2018 Goal of the Year award, has similarly enriched the small forward collective at St Kilda.
“(He’s) full of energy,” Howard enthused. “He runs so hard defensively, but also to get forward and provide an option.”
St Kilda hasn't played off in a Grand Final since 2010.
Brett Ratten's side will face Carlton in an AAMI Community Series fixture at Docklands on Thursday, March 4.