With the 2026 season on the horizon, we take a look at five players who are set to make their mark on the competition in the red, white and black.

DARCY WILSON

It didn't take long into pre-season for Darcy Wilson to turn heads, returning to the club in incredible shape ahead of his third season in the AFL.

Wilson's stature came at no expense of his well-regarded running ability, taking out the club's 3km time trial on two occasions for the third year running.

It wasn't just during the off-season that the league was put on notice, with his performance in the final game of the 2025 season against the Giants the best of his young career.

Wilson amassed 23 disposals and kicked five goals at Engie Stadium from the wing, as he showcased his incredible talent and work-rate.

With more midfield time seemingly on the agenda, Wilson's rise to the top is only just beginning.

MATTAES PHILLIPOU

Despite an injury-interrupted 2025 campaign, Mattaes Phillipou is still one of the most exciting prospects for the future in the red, white and black.

The back-end of Phillipou's 2024 campaign showcased his incredible talent across the ground with his ability to find the football and hit the scoreboard with regularity.

He was only able to add seven games last season but has started pre-season on the right foot, taking part in every main training session.

A healthy Phillipou provides a massive weapon for the Saints and a crucial cog in a push for September action.

NASIAH WANGANEEN-MILERA

I mean, obviously.

Nasiah Wanganeen Milera's meteoric rise in 2025 was one of the most talked about stories across the league, as he ascended into a genuine superstar of the competition over the course of the season.

Already dominant across half back, a move into the midfield saw him reach even greater heights and send the footy world into a spin as he signed a two-year deal to remain with the Saints.

Now with his eyes towards the season ahead, the Trevor Barker Award winner will look to continue his sizzling form and showcase exactly why the No.7 has become so popular amongst Saints fans once again.

ALIX TAURU

The Flying Viking has already found himself as a fan-favourite after just 10 games in the red, white and black.

His aerial ability immediately became known after his incredible feats in just his second game, where he claimed the most spoils in a game by any Saint in history.

With a back injury meaning his debut was delayed until the latter half of 2025, it means that Tauru is still an eligible chance at the Rising Star award in his second season.

It's clear to see we've only had just a taste of what the Viking has to offer.

MAX HALL

One of the biggest surprise packet's of 2025, Max Hall has quickly become one of the league's brightest young talents after just one year in the system.

After being being picked up as a mid-season recruit in 2024, Hall fought through to make his debut in Round 1 of 2025 and never looked back, only improving as the season went on.

Crafty in front of goal and deadly in stints through the middle, Hall's versatility has found himself as one of the first picked every week.

With another pre-season under his belt, there is no telling just how good Hall can truly be.