A match-winner against Gold Coast, a three-goal masterclass against his former side and a constant ferocity at the contest had Dean Kent slated as an integral asset to the Saints’ offensive in 2019.
But a torn quadricep at training halted the speedy Saint’s run just before Round 15, who at that point of the season led the Saints for goal assists.
In 2020, a fit-and-firing Kent and the inclusion of Premiership Tiger Dan Butler have elevated the Saints' small forward stocks.
Kent, Butler and Jack Lonie kicked 24 goals and registered 61 tackles (39 inside-50) from the first seven matches of the year – of which Kent played just five – to chart as one of the most potent small forward fleets in the competition.
The former Melbourne hard-nut has come up clutch several times throughout St Kilda's 2020 campaign, slotting critical steadiers and establishing handy buffers in every match he's played in post-restart.
From his eight goals for the year, four have come in the final quarter when the Saints' success hangs in the balance.
Kent was originally selected by Melbourne with pick No. 48 in the 2012 National Draft, before moving to St Kilda at the end of 2018.
