The St Kilda Football Club is shaking up the Australian Football League (AFL) with its aggressive recruitment strategies and a campaign aimed at reforming draft regulations. Under the leadership of president Andrew Bassat, the club has taken a stand against what it perceives as compromises to the integrity of the draft system. This initiative has gained traction among several clubs, highlighting a growing discontent with existing rules.
While the proposal to abolish northern academies outright is unlikely, the father-son rule is facing increased scrutiny. Many clubs are advocating for reforms that would create a more equitable system. More specifically, modifications may involve raising the cost of securing top talent while protecting the first-round picks from excessive bidding wars.
Despite the club’s efforts, St Kilda has faced criticism for its previous management missteps, particularly during a challenging 15-year period that saw the team struggle to remain competitive. Although the team’s drafting has improved in recent years, their failure to secure standout players such as Christian Petracca and Marcus Bontempelli has raised questions about their strategic decision-making. Critics argue that the Saints’ long-standing issues stem more from their own actions than from any structural flaws in the draft system.
The current push for reform coincides with St Kilda’s most ambitious recruitment effort since the early 2000s, when the club, led by figures such as Rod Butterss and Grant Thomas, made daring moves to acquire top players. Now, St Kilda is once again positioning itself as a disruptor in the player marketplace.
One of the boldest moves has been the signing of Tom De Koning to the richest contract in the league’s history, despite his lack of major accolades. This deal, along with lucrative offers to players like Giant Leek Aleer and Jack Silvagni, has sent shockwaves through the AFL. St Kilda has also expressed interest in acquiring Sam Flanders, a Gold Coast midfielder, and Liam Ryan from West Coast, suggesting a rapid expansion of their roster.
The recruitment strategies have raised concerns among rival clubs, with some viewing the inflated contracts as reckless. Questions about the sustainability and wisdom of such financial commitments loom large. For instance, the Saints recently made Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera the first player to command a salary of $2 million per season, setting a precedent that could further escalate player costs throughout the league.
Bassat’s campaign is gaining momentum, supported by the growing consensus among clubs that the current recruiting system needs reevaluation. Notably, teams like Fremantle have voiced agreement with St Kilda’s stance, reflecting a shift in the conversation surrounding draft integrity.
Longtime supporters of St Kilda, including former president Butterss, have rallied behind the current management’s disruptive approach. He emphasized the importance of boldness in a league where financial resources vary significantly among clubs. Butterss has been vocal about the need for St Kilda to take risks in order to achieve success, likening the club’s strategy to “guerrilla warfare” in a highly competitive environment.
As St Kilda continues to navigate through these challenges, the direction of the club remains uncertain. What is evident is that for a franchise historically marked by its struggles, the Saints are capturing attention in ways that may redefine their future in the AFL. The upcoming season will be critical in determining whether these bold strategies will pay off or lead to further complications in a league that is always evolving.
