As the 2020 AFLW Season fast approaches, St Kilda is ready to make an immediate mark on the competition.
The red, white and black have acquired several impressive talents ahead of its inaugural year, with each player bringing their own excitement, strength, and above all else, passion.
With 22 Saints signed before the 2019 National Draft, see the first crop of Saints who will proudly represent the crest in the upcoming season.
Ali Brown
Ali Brown made St Kilda history by becoming the first female player to be signed in the club’s 146-year history.
An inside midfielder by trade and a life-long Saints fan, Brown’s uncompromising attack on the footy is evident of her love for the red, white and black.
Molly McDonald
Winger Molly McDonald followed closely behind Brown, with the 17-year-old pre-selected from the Women’s AFL National Academy.
After trading in the basketball for a footy, McDonald hasn’t looked back – her elite endurance and agility making her a pivotal member of the Saints’ on-ball brigade.
Isabella Shannon
St Kilda’s initial trio of signings was rounded off by Isabella Shannon, who joined Brown and McDonald in forming the cornerstone of the young and promising side.
A half-forward with the ability to run through the midfield, the teenage-recruit will be another prized asset to the Saints as they enter their inaugural year in the AFLW.
Ali Drennan
One of the Southern Saints’ most important players in the push to the AFLW, Ali Drennan will pull on the red, white and black once again after one season at North Melbourne.
The vivacious midfielder leads from the front, with her clearance skills, efficient disposal and combination with Rhiannon Watt seeing her as one of the club’s most consistent performers.
Rhiannon Watt
After a joint best and fairest-winning season for the Southern Saints last year, Rhiannon Watt was snapped up by Carlton for the 2019 AFLW Season.
Now back at her beloved Moorabbin with Drennan, the former national volleyballer is keen on utilising her talents in the ruck to spark the Saints forward.
Darcy Guttridge
Darcy Guttridge has it all heading into St Kilda’s inaugural season – leadership experience as captain of Vic Country, an ability to play at both ends of the ground and an undeniable passion for the game.
The former Magpie spent 2018 on the sidelines with a broken collarbone, but has her sights firmly set on 2020 as she hunts for another crack at the big time.
Selena Karlson
Time at the Western Bulldogs gave Selena Karlson a taste of what it was like at the elite level, and now, she’s returned home to represent St Kilda in 2020.
At 180cm, Karlson’s height and strong overhead ability often leaves her to grapple with the opposition’s best forwards – often to great effect.
Kate McCarthy
One of the most experienced campaigners on St Kilda’s list, Kate McCarthy’s three seasons as part of Brisbane’s AFLW side will be invaluable to the Saints.
The All-Australian forward brings pace and dynamism to the red, white and black’s offensive, with her craft in front of goal both unpredictable and exciting.
Nat Exon
A Blue, a Lion and now a Saint, Nat Exon’s time in the AFLW system will be instrumental during St Kilda’s inaugural season.
Incredibly consistent in all areas of the ground, the hard-running midfielder – along with close friend McCarthy – will set the example for the young Saints coming through the ranks.
Jess Sedunary
A premiership Crow, an endurance beast and a gut-running athlete, Jess Sedunary will don the red, white and black next season.
Incredibly tough at the contest and boasting one of the best engines at the club, Sedunary is set to make her mark in stunning fashion.
Cat Phillips
Although from an unconventional ultimate frisbee background, Cat Phillips has all the makings to become a superstar of the AFLW.
Incredibly strong through the midfield and rarely tired out thanks to her sheer fitness and professionalism, Phillips is ready to hit the ground running in 2020.
