St Kilda list boss James Gallagher says the club has identified running power as a trait which they are lacking and will look to draft and develop over the off-season.
The Saints had a sub-par year to miss the eight after looking a genuine premiership hope in 2021 following a strong 2020, and Gallagher believes the club is lacking in the same area Grand Finalists Melbourne and the Western Bulldogs have been renowned for.
“We do like run, and certainly this year that became apparent to us early in the year that we need greater running power across the board in our team,” he told Sportsday.
“Looking at the draft this year, (speed and running power) is probably an attribute we’d prioritise over others.”
The Demons and Bulldogs both play a ‘chaos’ brand of footy, as did the Tigers during their premiership run.
The last premiership won by a team that likes to control the football was the Eagles in 2018 and clubs now appear to be favouring the trend of emulating the recent flags.
Gallagher said his list is talented enough to play that type of football but will need to put in a big pre-season if they are to take their game to the next level.
“That comes back to some of those younger boys, there are big summers ahead for a lot of our guys,” he said.
“There’s a lot of talent there amongst those guys … If you add some genuine running power to their games, and it’s easier said than done, it takes a lot of hard work … I’m quite positive.
“We should get a bit more (running power returning from injury) too.”
The Saints have just one pick in the top 45 in this year’s AFL draft, coming in the first round at pick nine.