Following last week’s Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling on the 34 past and present Essendon players, the AFL Commission determined that affected clubs may immediately upgrade a rookie to the senior list as a replacement for any suspended player.

Addressing the timing around announcing the possible replacement, Senior Coach Alan Richardson admitted there was no urgency to do so, and suggested the Saints would look at naming a replacement player at the conclusion of the 2016 NAB Challenge competition.

In Richardson’s opinion, Carlisle’s enforced absence “will give someone else an opportunity” with all five rookies eager to earn an upgrade onto the senior list.

saints.com.au has analysed all five rookies and Richardson has provided an update on how they are tracking this pre-season.

Nick O’Kearney
First-year Midfielder

After being surprisingly overlooked in the 2015 National Draft, hard-working midfielder Nick O’Kearney didn’t have to wait long to find a club in the Rookie Draft, with the Saints pouncing with selection No. 5.

Lightly built but with a big tank, O’Kearney enjoyed a dominant year in 2015, averaging 26 disposals for the Calder Cannons to win their best and fairest, as well as earning selection in the TAC Cup Team of the Year on a half-back flank.

The 18-year-old Victorian enjoyed a successful national carnival with Vic Metro, earning All Australian selection in a back pocket after averaging 21 possessions across five games.

Richo says: “Nick came in fairly advanced – he’s already a bit of a pro. He’s clearly been quite fanatical about his footy prior to him joining us and that’s continued. It shows in the way that he prepares and the way that he trains. He needs to put on some size and that will be a challenge for a little while, but it’s not a challenge that he looks like he’s going to baulk at.”

Nick Coughlan
First-year Key Defender

After missing out on being drafted in 2014, Albury product Nick Coughlan moved from attack to defence in a shift which culminated with the Saints selecting the 19-year-old with pick No. 23 in the 2015 Rookie Draft.

Coughlan played for the Murray Bushrangers last year, and showed promise in three games for Footscray in the VFL.

Richo says: “‘Cougho’ has done all the training as a key defender. He’s 12 months older than all the other first years and that shows in the way that he goes about his training in many facets. He has fitted in well so far.”

Jason Holmes
Third-year Ruckman

As the first born and bred American to play AFL, Jason Holmes etched his name in football history in 2015.

After an impressive season with Sandringham, Holmes earned his senior debut against Geelong in Round 21 where he collected 34 hitouts.

The Chicago product, who hails from a sporting rich family – Dad played for the Philadelphia 76ers, brother currently plays for the Oakland Raiders and eldest brother plays professional basketball in France – played the final three games of last year to generate some momentum heading into the pre-season.

Richo says: “Holmesy played the last three games of last year which has really boosted his self-belief and provided him with plenty of fuel for this pre-season and heading into this season. He’s really committed to making it as an AFL player and his professionalism has stood out over the pre-season.”

Josh Saunders
Fourth-year Midfielder

Having delisted Josh Saunders at the end of 2015, St Kilda committed to reselecting him in the rookie draft, and that’s precisely what the club did last November.

The Geelong Falcons product has played 22 games in three seasons at Linen House Centre, but managed only two appearances last year.

Saunders big engine is regarded as his biggest asset, along with his strength in the contest, which sees him rarely knocked off the ball despite his wiry frame.

Richo says: “For someone that was removed from the primary list before re-joining the rookie list, his attitude has been first class. Josh has worked really hard over the pre-season and it’s his work ethic and running ability which will work in his favour this season and seeing him pushing for games.”

Brenton Payne
Second-year Key forward/defender

Versatile key position prospect Brenton Payne played eight games for Sandringham in the VFL in 2015 before an ankle injury brought his season to a premature end.

The 20-year-old is viewed as a project player with a strong development focus set for the Western Jets product.

Payne has shown potential at both ends of the ground during his time in the TAC Cup and in the VFL.

Richo says: “We view ‘Payney’ as a real work in progress. He showed his ability at both ends of the ground last season for Sandringham and showed some real promise. He has trained with purpose this pre-season and really coming along nicely.”