Brereton believes Saints “kidding themselves” if they back current list as future premiership chance
Five-time premiership Hawk Dermott Brereton is calling for St Kilda to be realistic in their post-season review.
After a disappointing year which saw the Saints miss finals despite winning eight of their first 11 games, it has been confirmed the club would enlist former North Melbourne coach David Noble to help conduct a review.
Despite this report, Brereton is concerned that the Saints won’t take enough action to address their current set of players.
“Everyone is in it to win a premiership, we agree with that, but if St Kilda think that this list is the list that is going to deliver a premiership, they’re kidding themselves,” he said on SEN’s Crunch Time.
“Is the review going to tell them, ‘you believe you should be playing finals?’ I’m telling you in my review you’re several positions off it."
For Brereton, St Kilda taking a step back and looking towards the draft is a far more viable route to success than standing by their current group of players.
“I know they’ll do their best because if they think this list is the one that is going to get a premiership with some of these players they’ve brought in, it has to happen within two, three years, given those players' age that they’re paying top dollar to,” he said.
“It’s not happening with them and thereafter you’re saying, ‘we’re here to be competitive’, is that what you really want?
“Go into reverse first, then come forward and have a real shot.”
Former GWS coach Leon Cameron agrees that the Saints are in a tough position with their list, yet is confident Noble will have an impact on the club.
“If the board think that St Kilda should be in fourth spot, then they’re off the mark, St Kilda are where they are,” he said.
“We all sit here and know they’ve just missed out on the finals, that’s where they’re at, that’s where their list will say where they’re at, do the board agree on that, if they don’t then the review has got to show that and say you’re unrealistic.
“(Noble) will speak his mind, then people have got to be prepared for some open, honest truths.
“Whether it’s drafts, recruiting, trading, the coaches… if David Noble can add a little extra to the people they already trust within the football club, then I see that as a good thing.”
St Kilda will take on the finals-bound Sydney in their final game of the season on Sunday before looking ahead to a busy trade period.