How does St Kilda bounce back in 2022?
The Saints fell away to finish 10th last season having returned to finals action in 2020 after a lengthy spell in the non-finals wilderness.
There are a variety of reasons for their struggles in 2021, mainly injuries to key players, but their focus will now be on looking forward, not back, and recoiling from a disappointing campaign.
While there is plenty of positivity surrounding the Saints under Brett Ratten, questions remain on whether or not they should be taken seriously.
Adam Cooney suggests the Saints believe they are in a position to contend, but is unsure if they have the overall quality to become a serious premiership threat.
“We thought it was looking that way when the beat the Doggies in the first final a couple of years ago,” Cooney said on SEN Breakfast.
“It’s a bit of an unknown with St Kilda. How are they going to bounce back after a poor season?
“They are a young group. They’ve traded as if they were going to be in the premiership window over the next year or two.
“It just depends on how they bounce back after a poor season.
“There’s a lot of solid citizens at the Saints. Particularly at half-forward and through the middle of the ground.”
From an individual viewpoint, Cooney identified a handful of players who are integral to the cause.
He added: “Who is the guy who is going to take them to the next level?
“Do they have the elite midfield, the big guy who is going to take over a game? Jack Steele, he’s the man.
“(Jade) Gresham is important, they’d want to get (Jack) Billings back playing his best footy.
“Bradley Hill’s been inconsistent but was ok this year. We expect him to finish in the top five in the best and fairest and he did that in season 2021. I still think he’s got some improvement to go with this group.
“Max King, the progression of him.
“How good can he be after a blistering start to his career?
“There’s a lot of unknowns. They were trending upwards and then a poor season.
“They will be expecting to push for the eight but I don’t see them winning a flag in the next couple of years.”
St Kilda last played in a Grand Final in 2010 and have claimed just one premiership in the club’s history, back in 1966.
They will kick off their 2022 season proper against Collingwood on March 18.