The football season is drawing closer by the day with internal practice matches taking place across the land this week and the NAB Challenge series less than two weeks away.

Inside all 18 clubs there is a department that is also dotting their i’s and crossing their t’s ahead of the winter months. It’s not a department that is paid much attention externally outside of October and November, but the decisions they make during that time are part of an arduous process that is never ending.

And while their annual work culminates on draft night in late November, recruiting teams have already begun taking a closer look at this year’s draft class, already examining what’s on offer and what gaps the club has on its list.

At St Kilda, List and Recruiting Manager Tony Elshaug has just returned from Florida, where he was observing the AFL Academy camp, while the other full-time members of the team – Chris Liberatore, Mark Smart, Chis Toce and Wayne Hughes – have all been in planning mode, awaiting a return to airport terminals and football grounds around the country.

“We’re trying to get ourselves setup for the whole season and get in a good starting position by March 24. (We’re constantly) trying to improve our systems in what we do in here in terms of gaining information, where we put that information and how we utilise that information,” Elshaug told saints.com.au.

“So there’s a lot to do at the start of the season to set yourself up, because once the season starts running you’re onwards and upwards of just watching football, analysing and meeting players.”

Last weekend was one of the last football-free weekends left between now and October for the recruiting team, with the department set for a trip to Adelaide on Friday for the first round of meet and greets with the SANFL clubs. From there, it all steps up a notch heading into the season.

“We’re getting around to the clubs at the present time. There’s a trial in South Australia coming up in February. The following weekend over in Western Australia visiting the clubs there as well, they’ve got some testing and a trial game as well,” Elshaug said.

“The practice matches in the TAC Cup are coming up and about to begin, as it is Australia wide. There’s plenty of testing going on.

“So the boys, Chris Liberatore, Mark Smart and Chris Toce, have a lot on their plate but they’re doing a really good job. Wayne Hughes is getting his head around the NAB Cup and identifying players to watch.”