As the 2013 Draft Combine wraps up at Etihad Stadium this afternoon, St Kilda’s recruiting department is bedding down its list strategy after extensive potential player reviews.

Recruiting Manager Tony Elshaug took SAINTS.com.au through the club’s strategy, revealing the balance between recruiting the best player against the needs of the list.

“Across the draft we’re looking to pick a range of players.  We’re obviously looking to improve our midfield and our defence with a range of players,” Elshaug said.

“You’re looking for players that can excel in a number of areas and it’s a great week to get your head around everything and get factual information on their athleticism.”

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While the Saints will draft according to list management needs, Elshaug said it was still important to take the best available player.

"You’ve got to make sure that you’re really careful and mindful of not overlooking the best players just because of a particular need (in your list), so there is a point within the draft where you start to look at your needs rather than who the better players are,” he said.

This week allows the recruiters to sit back and assess potential players in a high-pressure testing environment after reviewing their progress on-field all year.

“We’ve been in their homes and met (some of) them on the AIS trip earlier in the year and tried to develop a rapport so you know exactly what your getting and can make a really informed decision.”

With the National Draft just one avenue for recruitment, the Saints will turn their attention to the Free Agency and Trade periods, leaving no stone unturned.

“The whole process is a bit of a jigsaw puzzle and we’ll try and work through it the best we can and be thorough and make sure we don’t leave any stone unturned.”