As we move ever closer to draft night, attention now turns to how some of our current day Saints made their way onto the list - starting with the 2011 AFL Draft.
Spawning two midfield regulars in Seb Ross, Jack Newnes and dashing defender Jimmy Webster, 2011 proved to be a productive draft for the Saints. It was also the first draft since St Kilda's last finals appearance and the beginning of a new dawn.
Pick 25 – Sebastian Ross, North Ballarat Rebels VIC
After a trade with Greater Western Sydney that saw the Saints aquire Ahmed Saad, Terry Milera and pick 25 in exchange for pick 20, St Kilda’s draft night in 2011 didn’t start until late in the first round. With pick 25, the Saints drafted Seb Ross – a hard working inside midfielder who can not only extract the ball, but use it well. His TAC Cup year caught the eye of St Kilda recruiters, averaging 24.8 disposals, 4.6 marks and 3.4 tackles for the Rebels.
Pick 35 - Daniel Markworth, Calder Cannons VIC
With their second pick, St Kilda opted for the fast-paced forward in Daniel Markworth from the Calder Cannons. Blessed with serious wheels, the 191cm forward showed the potential to be an x-factor, averaging 15 disposals and two goals a game with the Cannons. His numbers at the AFL Draft Combine were also exceptional for his height, running 2.89 seconds for the 20 metre sprint. Unfortunately, his body failed him at AFL level and Saints fans never got to see Markworth in action.
Pick 37 – Jack Newnes, Northern Knights VIC
Like Seb Ross, the pick that landed Jack Newnes originated from Sydney and was obtained when St Kilda traded Tommy Walsh to the Swans. Playing as a winger at the Knights, Newnes was drafted for his ability to play a number of roles and his booming kick. His future leadership credentials were also taken on board by recruiters. Averaging 22.8 disposals, 6.2 marks and three tackles in the TAC Cup, Newnes was drafted as an 18-year-old, but finished his VCE studies the year prior - allowing him to focus on his footy.
Pick 42 – Jimmy Webster, Glenorchy TAS
A running defender who likes to take the game on, St Kilda continued the theme of drafting good ball users with the selection Jimmy Webster at 42. An AIS-AFL Academy member and Tasmania U18 rep, Webster arrived at the club with an abundance of talent but with a number of injury issues. His combine results were impressive, finished second with 87% efficiency in the kicking test, 10th in the 3km time trial and fourth in the standing vertical jump at 74cm.
Pick 60 – Jay Lever, Geelong Falcons VIC
Needing depth in the ruck position, St Kilda picked up 200cm ruckman Jay Lever with their final active pick in the draft. Winning his fair share of hitouts, Lever also provided an option going forward with strong marking ability. However, Lever was delisted at the end of 2013 without playing a game.
Pick 68 – Beau Maister, West Coast
After being delisted by West Coast at the end of 2010, Beau Maister (previously Wilkes) put in a solid year at Claremont – starting in defence before moving forward to boot 40 goals in the back half of 2011. Looking for a third tall, St Kilda took the former Eagle late in the draft. It was his one grab marking and prolific goal kicking that saw the Saints take the punt on Maister.
Pick 76 – Jason Blake, St Kilda
Re-drafted after delisted at the end of 2011.
