1. Stocking up 

Liam Stocker made a promise to himself he’d end back up on an AFL list one way or another, and now his second chance beckons in Saints colours.

The 22-year-old ex-Blue was officially signed via the pre-season Supplemental Selection Period on Friday, filling up one of two available spots on the club’s 2023 list.

It was flagged early on that Stocker wouldn’t only need to show his on-field attributes in his audition to end up a Saint, but show he had the fire in the belly to be back at the elite level.

The fact he’s on now a Saint has only affirmed that he has the desire to impact at the club he’s supported since his entire life.

2. Wanganeen-Milera going back to go forward 

Precise foot skills, an engine which rarely splutters and sharp decision-making are all the perfect attributes for a wingman, but they could be just as readily deployed off half-back.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera is in line for a switch to defence this season to let his “weapons shine” best, having trained exclusively with the backline group and learning the ropes under the sage guidance of Corey Enright.

With the potential for both Wanganeen-Milera and Jack Sinclair – two of the Saints’ cleanest users by foot – to be streaming out of defence to launch the Saints forward, it’s a prospect Enright and the Saints are excited to see come to fruition. 

3. Time to get creative 

Moving the magnets around is far from a new concept come pre-season, but the Saints may have to do some more “creative” shuffling than originally anticipated.

Midfield coach Lenny Hayes has a lot to ponder when it comes to how St Kilda will manage its ruck duties, particularly with tall timber Jack Hayes (foot) and Max King (shoulder) sidelined and Tom Campbell recovering from an Achilles tendon strain.

Mitch Owens’ name has been floated as a relieving option and could help facilitate the Saints’ desire for faster ball movement, but does remain in the mix to play an influential hand up forward instead.

4. Big shoes to fill 

St Kilda’s forward line will certainly look different in its season opener against Fremantle, with Jack Hayes going down with a foot injury during Monday’s main training.

With Max King still several months away from a return following a shoulder injury, just who can fill the role inside-50 remains undecided.

The Saints will trial several combinations in their upcoming practice matches and intra-club sessions, however Matty Allison was a noticeable presence in last week’s match simulation session.

Cooper Sharman could similarly solidify a position after being tried in defence in parts last season, while Mason Wood boasts the potential to similarly help tick the scoreboard over.

5. Windy the Workhorse

It hasn’t taken long for Marcus Windhager to make a name for himself as one of the Saints’ most committed workhorses both on and off the track.

The 17-gamer has since taken it upon himself to keep the momentum running hot and bypass the dreaded ‘second-year blues’, fixating on increasing his anaerobic capacity from the moment St Kilda’s 2022 season came to a close.

Windhager’s diligence hasn’t gone by unrewarded – or unnoticed – with second and third placings in the club’s December and January three-kilometre time trials respectively.