Since arriving at the Linen House Centre in late 2011, St Kilda Head Coach Scott Watters has been under no illusion about the hefty task that lay before him.
For a club celebrating its 140th year, the past 10 years have seen arguably its most successful era, despite not taking home the ultimate prize.
Coming off a decade that included three grand finals, and four consecutive finals appearances (the equal most in club history), Watters was presented with a list containing the names of nine players who ranked within the top 32 on the Saints all-time games list.
Despite losing Brendon Goddard during the trade period of 2012, the remaining eight players (Lenny Hayes, Stephen Milne, Nick Riewoldt, Nick Dal Santo, Jason Blake, Leigh Montagna, Justin Koschitzke and Sam Fisher) still combine for a total of 1839 games of AFL experience. And more significantly, an average age of 31 years.
With these figures clearly at the forefront of his mind, Watters has gone to work diligently over the past 18 months, utilising the incredible line-up of AFL experience at his disposal to help cultivate the next generation of future Saints stars.
Within the first six rounds of 2012, the Saints had already introduced three debutants into the side (Terry Milera, Jack Newnes and Ahmed Saad). By the end of the season, a further two earned senior selection (Sam Dunell and Seb Ross).
2013 has seen the unveiling of further talent. Tom Lee, Brodie Murdoch, Josh Saunders, Nathan Wright, Jimmy Webster and Jackson Ferguson have all donned the red, white and black for the first time.
That's 11 debutants in 33 rounds of football.
To put that into context, in the previous 74 rounds (2009 to 2011), the Saints blooded only 12, of which only five remain.
It comes as no surprise that this 'changing of the guard' has seen form fluctuate. The mix between experience and youth is a constant balancing act. If it's out, it can produce inconsistent and ultimately underwhelming results. But when it clicks, it has the potential to produce some of the most exciting football seen in some time.
No Saint fan that attended this years Monday night clash with Carlton will disagree with that.
Having debutants is one thing, but persisting with them and growing their experience is another. Through performance and effort, new players continue to tighten their grip on regular senior selection. The 11 debutants mentioned above have now combined for 99 AFL games. Add to that list the exciting 21 year old Dylan Roberton from Fremantle (48 AFL games) who is fast becoming a fan favourite, as well as 22 year old ruckman Tom Hickey from the Gold Coast (17 games).
St Kilda people have a lot to look forward to.
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To help highlight the development of the Saints 'next generation', we want you to tell us which youngster is your favourite Future Star.
The player who comes out on top will become the face of our 2014 'New recruit' membership card.
And, just for entering, you'll go into the draw to win a 2013 Saints guernsey, signed by your favourite Future star as well as Captain Nick Riewoldt and Head Coach Scott Watters.
Post your vote below. The future is now.
