Dear members and supporters,

As the 2025 AFL Trade Period comes to a close, I want to reflect on what has been an important step forward in our continued pursuit of success at St Kilda.

Just over three years ago, we committed to a comprehensive plan to transform the profile of our men’s playing list and, in turn, the future of our club. That plan has never been about quick fixes; it has always been about building a united, high-performing team capable of sustained success. Every decision we have made throughout this trade period has been shaped by that commitment and by a clear list strategy that is understood and embedded across our club.

I want to acknowledge our list management team, namely Graeme Allan and Stephen Silvagni, alongside Ross Lyon and the rest of the team for their tireless efforts not only over the past 10 days, but in the months and years leading up to this period. Plenty of hard work goes on behind the scenes to ensure we achieve these outcomes, and I thank them all for their professionalism and expertise.

Whilst on our football program, I also want to thank outgoing Executive General Manager of Football, David Misson. David is a calm and well-liked person who made a big contribution to our club. We wish him and his family all the best.  

We are delighted to welcome four new talented players – Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni, Sam Flanders and Liam Ryan – who we believe will strengthen our list both on and off the field. All four have made it clear that they want to be part of what we are building. Their enthusiasm for joining our program and their belief in where St Kilda is heading is unmistakable and validating.

At the same time, we are pleased that Rowan Marshall will remain a Saint. Rowan knows how highly we value his talent, leadership and commitment, and we are excited about how he and Tom will work together as part of our evolving structure. His presence will continue to be a driving force in the standards and connection within our football program.

I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Jack Steele for his outstanding contribution to St Kilda across the past nine years. Jack’s strength, humility and care as captain over the past five seasons have left a lasting mark on our football club. A two-time All-Australian and dual Trevor Barker Award winner, he has set the highest standards of leadership and professionalism. We are deeply grateful for everything he has given to the Saints and wish him and his family every success in the next chapter of his career. He will be missed greatly by all of us, but he will always have a home at our club.  

We also acknowledge and thank Max Heath, who departs for Melbourne. Max is a young man of great character who has worked hard on his development since joining us as a mid-season rookie. Max joins new life member Jimmy Webster, Zaine Cordy, Angus McLennan, Harry Boyd, Zak Jones and Arie Schoenmaker in departing the club this off-season. We thank them and wish them all the best for the next chapter.

I have said it before and will say it again: there is no risk-free path to a premiership. The risks we have taken have been considered and deliberate. Doing nothing represents the greatest risk of all in what has become a two-speed competition.

Our AFLW program is another example of that growth and ambition. With five consecutive wins and a place in the top eight, the team is well placed to push for a first-ever finals appearance. Injuries will test our depth in the weeks ahead, but the resilience and belief within the group remain unwavering. We look forward to seeing what they can achieve over the remainder of the season.  

The growth of our club extends well beyond the boundary line. Under the leadership of Chief Executive Officer Carl Dilena, our administration continues to evolve. The progress we are making across our commercial and community functions is undoubtedly strengthening the foundations of St Kilda. This whole-of-club growth ensures we are building not just competitive football programs, but a strong and enduring club for generations to come.

As we look ahead, we do so with a deep sense of optimism in what lies ahead for St Kilda. I hope you, our supporters and members, share in that belief that we are on the right path to success and join us again in 2026 for what is sure to be an exciting year for the club.

Thank you for your loyalty and support. Your passion drives us forward, and I wish you the best over the summer as we prepare for the next chapter in our journey.

Sincerely,


Andrew Bassat


President


St Kilda Football Club