It seems like it's still a long way away, but AFLW Season 2020 is going to hit us before we know it.

St Kilda has snapped up several talented youngsters and experienced heads in preparation for its maiden year in the competition, with the current squad featuring players full of danger, excitement and skill.

With 22 Saints signed before the 2019 National Draft, see the next contingent of Saints who will proudly wear the red, white and black in the upcoming season.

Courteney Munn 

Courteney Munn’s memorable four-goal AFLW debut for North Melbourne could just be a taste of what’s to come for St Kilda next season. 

The key forward was nominated for the Rising Star following her breakout game for the Roos, but could pack an even larger punch now that she’s back in her treasured red, white and black. 

Emma Mackie 

Already an established road cycling champion, Emma Mackie’s switch to the AFL is proving to be just as fruitful.

Box Hill’s VFLW best and fairest in 2017, Hawthorn’s inaugural VFLW captain in 2018 and a spot on the Western Bulldogs’ AFLW list is indicative of her talent – who knows what 2020 might bring. 

Claudia Whitfort 

Claudia Whitfort joined the red, white and black after four games for Melbourne’s AFLW side between 2018-19.

A fast and powerful defender with AFLW experience under her belt, the 20-year-old Saint is poised for a breakout year in 2020. 

Mel Kuys

Another player with AFLW proficiency, former Magpie Mel Kuys is raring to make a big impression second time around after an Achilles injury cut her run short. 

Able to drift in-between the midfield and the half-back line, the inaugural Box Hill Hawks captain will be a volatile advantage when she dons the red, white and black next season.  

Tilly Lucas-Rodd

Ex-Blue Tilly Lucas-Rodd was a revelation in 2019, earning a spot in the VFLW Team of the Year through her grit and consistency. 

Spending time as an in-and-under midfielder, a thrifty forward and now as a reliable defender, Lucas-Rodd boasts a wide array of skills that can be utilised all over the ground. 

Kate Shierlaw

As part of the Southern Saints’ leadership group, co-captain Kate Shierlaw is tasked with leading by example. 

And the key forward certainly does that, with her strong marking overhead, knack for goal and ascendancy in the air making her one of the most important assets to the Saints in 2020. 

Olivia Vesely 

A shining light of the competition, Olivia Vesely’s talent was recognised with a place in the VFLW Team of the Year and the Rising Star Award.

Vesely is a hard-hitting midfielder with a strong presence around the footy, and there’s plenty of potential for the 19-year-old Saint to emerge as a superstar next season. 

Sammie Johnson

As runner-up in the Southern Saints’ inaugural best and fairest, there’s no doubt of Sammie Johnson’s talent and class with the ball in hand.

Incredibly versatile through her midfield ascendancy, tagging ability and athleticism, Johnson’s flair and quick hands will add another dimension to the Saints’ emerging midfield. 

Caitlin Greiser

An absolute powerhouse up forward with a potency for goal, Caitlin Greiser is arguably St Kilda’s most damaging weapon heading into 2020. 

The former soccer striker topped the Southern Saints’ goalkicking for 2019 with 22 goals, earning herself a place in the VFLW Team of the Year at full forward. 

Poppy Kelly 

Poppy Kelly’s dominance in the ruck was not only evident on the stats sheet with 309 hit-outs, but through her massive influence on the contest.

Strong in the air and physical at ground level, Kelly will bring both grunt and height for the red, white and black in next season.

Clara Fitzpatrick 

Originally from a Gaelic background, Clara Fitzpatrick established herself as of the pillars of the Southern Saints’ backline through her strong marking and athleticism.  

The key defender's 180cm frame allows her to pinch-hit in the ruck, making her an incredibly flexible talent ahead of 2020.