The Saints' $4.5 million off-season recruiting drive has been a topic of much discussion, with St Kilda great Leigh Montagna offering his insights. Montagna believes the club's spending spree is a strategic move to build a strong foundation for the future, rather than a guarantee of immediate success. He argues that the development of younger players, such as Mattes Phillipou and Alix Tauru, is crucial for the team's long-term success.
Montagna highlights the importance of the Saints' 'building a list and game style that can stack up' for when they are ready to contend. He emphasizes that the emergence of these young stars is more critical than the current win-loss record. Montagna also discusses the role of Tom De Koning, who signed the richest deal in AFL history, and argues that the focus should be on his overall performance rather than the financial aspect.
Another key player, Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, has faced challenges due to increased attention from opponents. Montagna shows empathy for Wanganeen-Milera's situation, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining high performance while being tagged by defenders. He suggests that the team needs to support Wanganeen-Milera and help him adapt to the pressure.
The article also mentions Max King, the 'missing piece' in the Saints' forward line. Montagna believes King's return is essential for the team's success, as he can provide a reference point and star-factor presence. However, King's persistent injuries have delayed his comeback, and the Saints must wait to see his full potential.
In summary, Montagna's commentary provides a thoughtful analysis of the Saints' situation, emphasizing the importance of player development, strategic spending, and the need for patience in building a competitive team.
