It’s been nearly two decades since St Kilda last had two picks inside the first ten and the Saints are determined to make the most of their strong position in this year’s draft.
The last time St Kilda held such a strong position was in 2001 when the club drafted Luke Ball at pick No. 2 and Xavier Clarke at No. 5.
St Kilda List and Recruiting Manager Tony Elshaug said the club is pleased to exit the trade period with pick No. 7 and No. 8 still in their grasp, as well as acquiring pick No. 34 from Port Adelaide to complement
“It’s been 16 years since we’ve had two top ten picks and to have four picks in the top 45 is a good result as well,” Elshaug told saints.com.au on Friday after the completion of the 2017 trade period.
“We’re pleased to be in that position and now we’ve got to get to work and make the most of those picks.”
St Kilda acquired Port Adelaide’s second-round pick in the dying minutes of the trade period, exchanging a fourth-round selection this year and next year to move up this year’s order.
Elshaug said the Saints were keen to move into the second-round this year after trading their second-round pick last October to land midfielder Jack Steele.
“Essentially up until that point we were seven, eight, 45 and 59, so to come into 34 and 45 is a much better position,” he said.
“If you’re picking at 34 you’re looking to get the 20th to 25th best player on your list.
“Obviously we want those players to complement the two you pick at the front and to complement the whole list.
“We think that’s the way to go, we’ll take the players now and work with them for 12 months and find a better quality player in that area.”
