They come from all parts of the country and even different corners of the globe, but St Kilda's seven new recruits have a few traits in common: they're quick, they're skilful and they have the potential to impact in a big way moving forward.

Get to know all the important stats, facts and figures about our newest crop of draftees from the 2023 AFL Draft and beyond.

Darcy Wilson

Pick No. 18
186cm, 74kg
Midfielder/Forward
Murray Bushrangers

A classy, smooth-moving and hard-running outside midfielder/forward from the Murray Bushrangers, Darcy Wilson was a starring feature at representative level to thrust himself into first-round calculations off the back of a Best & Fairest season.

The athletic Wilson put on nine kilograms throughout this calendar year, meticulously adhering to a strength program concocted by Bushrangers coaches Tim Madden and Cam Bishop to bulk up his frame without sacrificing any of his speed underfoot.

Able to hit targets on either side of the body and even push forward to have an impact on the scoreboard, Wilson follows recent first-round selections Mattaes Phillipou, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera and Max King in forming the next generation of premium young Saints talent.

Silvagni says...: Darcy is one of the most well-rounded players from this year’s draft class, boasting great athleticism, agility and influence through the midfield and up forward. He is a very smooth mover with ball in hand and can use his skills to set his teammates up further afield to good effect. 

Lance Collard

Pick No. 28
180cm, 65kg
Forward
Subiaco

Collard, a member of West Coast's Next Generation Academy, shaped as one of the most dynamic forward talents from this year's draft following his starring season for Subiaco which earned him selection in the Western Australian Under 18 squad.

Lightning-quick and incredibly damaging in front of goal, the 18-year-old adds to the Saints' small forward stocks who cannot only pack a punch in front of goal, but do so in big moments.

The 180cm forward had an impressive close to the season to bolt into first-round calculations, averaging three goals a game from his 11 Colts apperances - including three five-goal bags in his last five games - before finishing first in the agility and fourth in 20m sprint tests at this year's Draft Combine.

Silvagni says...: Lance is a creative and energetic small forward who has the ability to turn a game on its head through his dynamic skillset. He is a proven match-winner whose high energy and knack for producing game-changing moments is something we’re very excited to see.

Angus Hastie

Pick No. 33
189cm, 74kg
Defender
Geelong Falcons/Geelong West Giants

Coming in at 190cm, the dashing and ambitious defender Angus Hastie has thrived for the Geelong Falcons since making the decision to focus full-time on his football as opposed to a promising cricket career.

The rebounding backman ranked first amongst all general defenders for intercept possessions in the Coates League this season, with his willingness to take the game on earning plenty of commendation in the lead-up to this year’s AFL Draft.

Silvagni says...: Angus is one of the most skilled defenders from this year’s draft class, who has the size and speed to play on different types of opponents. Despite excelling at cricket, he has flourished during his time playing at Geelong Falcons to offer great versatility and agility in the defensive end. 

Hugo Garcia

Pick No. 50
185cm, 78kg
Midfielder/Forward
Calder Cannons

With the name of a European soccer star and the skills with Sherrin in hand to go with it, the pacy Hugo Garcia is a well-balanced midfielder/forward who can impact offensively and defensively.

St Kilda traded up the order with GWS in order to secure Garcia, handing over a future third-round selection for pick No. 50 which brought in the Calder Cannons product.  

Garcia is able to hit the scoreboard and post high disposal numbers , complemented by his clean skills by hand, seen best in his impressive start to the Coates League with eight goals in the first five rounds, before finding more of the football further afield.

Arie Schoenmaker

Pick No. 62
194cm, 91kg
Defender
Tasmania/Allies

There are players who can roost it quite a distance, and then there are super boots like Arie Schoenmaker who can send the Sherrin lethal distances with pinpoint precision.

Boasting one of the longest and most powerful kicks from this year’s draft class, the key position defender was predicted to go much earlier in the draft before the Saints swooped in to secure the Tasmanian's services with pick No. 62.

Silvagni says...: Arie is a capable and impressive young defender who has a penetrating left boot and is a good decision-maker with ball in hand. He has a lot of room to develop, learn and grow and we hope to see him continue to further his capabilities while at RSEA Park.

Riley Bonner

Pre-Season Draft
190cm, 85kg
Defender/Midfielder
Port Adelaide

Riley Bonner will start the next chapter of his career in red, white and black, joining the club via this year’s Pre-Season Draft.

A versatile backman who can spring off the half-back line or serve as a diligent wingman, Bonner averaged 13 disposals per game this season at Alberton, predominantly in a wing role.

The 26-year-old defender was delisted by Port Adelaide at the end of the 2023 season, registering a total of 93 games for the Power after making his debut in 2016.

Misso says...: We believe Riley has some strong qualities which could complement our list and add some further depth to either our backline or outside stocks. We look forward to seeing Riley embrace this opportunity and look forward to welcoming him to the club.

Liam O'Connell

Category B Rookie
189cm, 84kg
Defender
County Cork/Ballincollig

Some Irish flair is heading St Kilda's way in Season 2024 with the signing of Gaelic football young gun Liam O’Connell as a Category B Rookie.

Recruited from Cork and Ballincollig, the 20-year-old was first scouted out by the club throughout June and July following his impressive form while playing in the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA).

O’Connell lived in Western Australia for several years as a child, before returning to Ireland when he was 11 years of age to put his name on the map for County Cork.

Silvagni says...: We’re pleased to have Liam join our list and are excited at what the future could hold for him. Liam’s athleticism is his standout feature, while his Gaelic football skills should translate well to what is required on the football field in AFL. We have seen many successful Irish recruits thrive in the competition for many years, and hope Liam will follow in their footsteps in time.