Southern Saints Season Preview
19/03/2024
- Best young prospect in the VFLW
- Young Saints showing plenty
- Fresh coaching mix
Looking to atone for their late-season fadeout, the Saints will be looking to bounce back with a strong 2024 campaign.
The big questions
Can the Saints recapture their destructive best?
Absolutely! Southern Saints footy at its best is good enough to beat anyone. Through eleven rounds last year the Saints sat atop the ladder with an 8-3 record, experts at winning the critical moments in close games. Unfortunately, injuries and a dip in form would ultimately cost the team a chance at redemption. With that said, the team has returned from their first full break in two years and attacked preseason with a positive reinvigoration. Boosted by the re-signing of inaugural player Georgia Ricardo, and former captain Deanna Jolliffe, the team is primed and ready to have another crack at a maiden premiership.
Can core young group march the Saints upward?
The Saints have assembled one of the brightest young lists in the competition, balancing player performance with positional needs.
The re-signing of reigning Best and Fairest winner Winnie Laing raised this belief. The meticulous winger showcased her quality throughout last season, averaging 16.6 disposals, 5.7 tackles and 6.7 handballs per game to go along with her growing leadership capabilities.
Young gun Bella Enno’s recommitment to the club late last year was another promising indicator. Winning our 2023 Best Emerging Player Award, the lively half-back will provide maximum effort and a can-do attitude.
Emerging talent Eva Nikolitsis joins us from Collingwood VFL having taken out their Best First Year Player Award, and is sure to excite fans with her centre clearance work.
What to expect from new-look coaching panel?
Unveiling a fresh new coaching panel over the summer, Saints fans should expect high-scoring footy with a blue-collar edge.
Nathan Evans is one of those new voices that will bring a wealth of knowledge to the club.
Rewarded with the ‘Eric Mackenzie Memorial Trophy’ for the Best Club Person last season, Andy Farrall places great emphasis on not only helping players improve their skillsets on the field but also off it.
Joining our team of development coaches is Jessie Hamill who will be supported by Hannah Stuart and Deanna Jolliffe, who together will bring a wealth of AFLW playing experience to the team.
Joining as Head of Strength and Conditioning, Emile Tait will be an essential asset to the program, especially as the season gets underway.
Look for …
Tessa Boyd to cement her status as one of the best young prospects in the VFLW. The leading disposal-getter for the Saints last year, averaging 18.1 per game, Boyd has continued to impress throughout the preseason and looks set to fully continue her breakout season form. The defensive juggernaut is adept by foot and reads opposition cues with ease, one of the main reasons she was rewarded with a spot in the 2023 VFLW Team of the Year.
Who we play
The Southern Saints play their first three games at home, opening with a primetime Friday night doubleheader at RSEA Park against Collingwood, following the VFL Sandringham v Collingwood game.
Quick to a return to action at WSTBBO, the Saints will play host to an early morning clash with Darebin in round two, a matchup that is sure to bring back fond memories having won the past four encounters.
The Sainters’ first away game will see the team making the journey north to Blacktown against the GIANTS, in what is the first and sole interstate trip of the campaign.
Round eight takes the Saints and Zebs to Gippsland, featuring in a special doubleheader against Box Hill at Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve.
Following a tricky match-up with reigning premiers Port Melbourne in round nine, the season concludes with a trip to Casey Fields to play the Demons, a team alongside Collingwood we play twice.
Written by Digby Verlander – Sandringham FC Media