Former St Kilda coach and Essendon great Tim Watson believes the Saints will be challenging for a finals berth in 2023.
St Kilda started the 2022 season with an 8-3 win-loss record but fell away in the second half of the year to finish 11-11, blowing a golden opportunity to play finals.
Given it was another failed campaign down at Moorabbin, the Saints experienced a host of off-field changes in the aftermath.
Former coach Ross Lyon replaced Brett Ratten, while club greats Lenny Hayes, Brendon Goddard and Robert Harvey made their way back to RSEA Park.
Simon Lethlean replaced Matt Finnis as CEO, David Mission returned, while Geoff Walsh – who was appointed as the general manager of football – departed for personal reasons after three months in the role.
Watson’s sentiments will be refreshing for St Kilda fans, with many a footy pundit voicing their concerns around the Saints and the season ahead.
“If you’re a St Kilda fan, once the season gets started and they find their feet, you know what you’re going to get from a Ross Lyon team,” Watson told SEN Breakfast.
“That’s accountability, great defensive pressure and great competitiveness from your team, week in, week out.
“Anyone that went off half-cocked after that first practice game against Melbourne, they’re going to be alright, St Kilda.
“They’re not going to be the best team in the competition but they’re going to be alright. They’re going to be challenging for a top eight spot.”
Nathan Buckley is not as bullish, saying he expects the Saints to finish in the bottom quartet of the competition this year.
NATHAN BUCKLEY FORECASTS HIS 2023 AFL LADDER
“St Kilda, Hawthorn, Essendon and North Melbourne will be the bottom four,” Buckley said on SEN Breakfast.
“I’ve got the Saints between seven and 11 wins.
“I don’t think the club are under any illusions as to the challenge in front of them.”
St Kilda will kick off their 2023 campaign against Fremantle at Marvel Stadium on March 19.