A lot remains up in the air as to which direction St Kilda’s upcoming season will head, but CEO Simon Lethlean is adamant the “knowns” surrounding Ross Lyon’s expectations for the playing group outweigh the uncertainty.
The Saints have had their shoulder to the wheel this pre-season as they implement and adapt to Lyon’s new gameplan, putting it to the test for the first time against opposition last Friday against Melbourne at RSEA Park. Another practice match – this time against Essendon with regular game-time and quarter lengths – beckons this Friday afternoon at the Saints' heartland.
While the initial sample size is far too small to gauge how the club’s 2023 campaign will play out, Lethlean says Lyon’s non-negotiables in terms of effort, output and standards – coupled with the “big energy” he has brought – are unmoving as it prepares to embark on its 150th year.
“There’s so many unknowns this time of year to be able to answer that question with any real clarity, but what our fans do need to know (are) some of the knowns within the program,” Lethlean told SEN this morning.
“In the first four years of Ross’ tenure back at the club, we’re going to be relentless in pursuing having this club contending for a flag. We’ll be fitter than we ever have been – and we are – and there will be significant expectations on delivering 100 per cent effort.
“There’s certainly a different feel around the footy program and the intensity and demands that Ross brings, and the other parts of the club are flourishing too with our 150th year.
“So the fans can be clear on those things. Where that lands us after Round 23 this year, I don’t think we’ll know until the season is well underway, but there’s enough there that the fans can expect of us.”
St Kilda will kickstart its campaign with back-to-back matches at Marvel Stadium against Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs, before turning its attention to the landmark 150th Anniversary Game with Essendon at the MCG on Saturday 1 April.
The club today launched its 150 Year campaign, bringing together past and present on-field greats to celebrate the true heroes of the Saints – the loyal fans of red, white and black.
Filling the ‘G with St Kilda’s most passionate legends shapes as one of the biggest and most significant dates on the calendar, which will feature multiple events, occasions and activations as the club aims for another record-breaking year on the membership front.
“I just want to reiterate to our fans that we really need you to join as members for our 150th year,” Lethlean said.
“We’ve brought all our games home to Victoria this year by not selling home games, but for that to be sustainable we need you to turn up, especially to Round 3 at the ‘G, so we look forward to seeing you all there.”
