2019 will be a season of new beginnings for St Kilda.
A new-look outfit at a newly-christened home ground is a start, but it will be a return to winning ways that will be most crucial for Alan Richardson’s men.
And it all starts this Sunday against Gold Coast.
MATCH PREVIEW: Saints v Suns
After much-maligned 2018 campaigns consisting of just four wins apiece, both sides will be desperate to begin their seasons on the right note.
The Saints edged out Stuart Dew’s young brigade in the duo’s most recent clash, turning around a five-goal deficit at three-quarter time to win by two points thanks to a last-minute miracle from Jade Gresham.
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While much has been made of the Suns’ playing list – including the high-profile off-season departures of Steven May and Tom Lynch – the expansion club nonetheless boasts players who could play major roles in turning the tide.
Touk Miller was uncharacteristically quiet in last season’s clash with just 12 touches, but the Sun was a dominant force for his side throughout a turbulent 2018.
Leading the club for disposals (485) and tackles (123) across his 22 games, Miller will be just one threat in Gold Coast’s evolving engine room, with David Swallow and Lachie Weller set to assert their talent against the Saints.
Ruckman Jarrod Witts could prove to be the biggest handful for the home side, after flying well under the league radar due to the dominant seasons of Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy.
COACH'S CALL: Richo previews Gold Coast clash
Finishing third in the league behind the aforementioned duo with an average of just under 39 hit-outs, Witts has the ability to get on top of games early and give his mids all-important first use – something now more vital than ever given the new 6-6-6 rule changes.
The Saints will utilise the physicality of both Rowan Marshall and Lewis Pierce to tackle the Gold Coast juggernaut, and shutting him down could be the key to the Saints’ maiden victory.
Matty Parker (R) will make his debut against the Suns.
While the Suns will showcase their livewire pick No. 2 in Jack Lukosius up forward, the red, white and black will have their own explosive response, with Matty Parker set to debut after an eye-catching pre-season and JLT Community Series.
But it’s down back where the biggest problems for both sides reside.
The loss of Rory Thompson this pre-season has left a gaping hole in Gold Coast’s defence, and it isn’t much better for the Saints, who will be without key veterans Dylan Roberton, Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown.
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The door is now open for Darragh Joyce to cement his spot in St Kilda’s back six, while forward-come-defender Josh Battle will play a pivotal role in reining in Sam Day and Peter Wright.
Last season’s best and fairest Jarrod Harbrow will provide some much-needed experience for the visitors however, while the combined force of Jarryn Geary, Jimmy Webster and Shane Savage will help stabilise St Kilda’s defensive structure.
Despite both sides being depleted of their usual stars, Sunday afternoon shapes as a season-defining match for both the Saints and the Suns.
For St Kilda, it simply is a must-win.
