The Saints began 2026 on the right foot with a very solid performance against the Suns to run out 71-point winners in an unofficial practice match at People First Stadium.

Here are five key takeaways from the match simulation.

06:42

Highlights | Match Sim v Gold Coast

The Saints defeat the Suns in an impressive showing on the Gold Coast.

MAX HALL CAN BALL

If 2025 was a breakout campaign, 2026 might be the star-making one.

Max Hall was dominant on Thursday night, kicking four goals and bobbing up everywhere as he became known for late in his first season at AFL level.

The Box Hill product has announced himself as a fan-favourite and, if he is able to replicate this performance in the home and away season, will see him enter the next echelon of talent in the AFL.

00:54

Match Sim | Max impact with four goals

Max Hall adds two more goals in the final term to cap a crafty four-goal performance against Gold Coast.

FLANDERS THE REAL DEAL

One of five new Saints taking the field on Thursday, Sam Flanders went up against his old side and showed exactly why he was so highly sought after in the 2025 off-season.

Flanders was everywhere, racking up disposals and chaining the Saints together through the middle of the ground at ease.

The midfielder faced an injury-interrupted 2025 but has put it far in the rear view with a stunning performance in his first game in red, white and black.

02:43

Match Sim | Hayes speaks post-game

General Manager of Football Lenny Hayes unpacks St Kilda's match simulation clash with the Suns.

DEFENCE STANDS TALL

Lead by new co-captain Callum Wilkie, the Saints defence was at its stifling best against the Suns.

Despite losing new recruit Jack Silvagni to concussion protocols early in the contest, the backline allowed just four goals and were rock solid.

Young star Alix Tauru continued to command the airways, while Jack Carroll showed his talent in a new look half-back role.

NEW LEADERS LOSE NO STEP

Alongside Wilkie, three newly-appointed leaders showed exactly why they are rated so highly among their peers.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera was typically damaging with ball in hand, while his counterparts Marcus Windhager and Mitch Owens had massive impacts on the contest in defence and attack respectively.

This trio will be the ones charging right from the front to begin the 2026 season proper in just over two weeks.

JACK MACRAE UP TO HIS USUAL TRICKS

While much of the praise has been heaped on the young brigade, veteran Jack Macrae also showed exactly why he is so important to the Saints heading into 2026.

Macrae was silky and effective in tough conditions up north, hitting targets and impacting in the contest at his All-Australian best.

A highlight came late as he forced a forward 50 turnover before laying a crunch tackle, leading to Max Hall's fourth of the game.

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