Back surgery in the pre-season all but ruled Jake Carlisle out of Season 2019, before an inspiring return in Round 14 helped stabilise the Saints’ injury-plagued defence. The big-bodied backman acted as the last line of defence on many occasions, grappling with the game’s biggest forwards week after week. Carlisle was originally selected by Essendon with pick No. 24 in the 2009 National Draft, before requesting a trade to St Kilda at the end of 2015.