What Is 2006 St Kilda Football Club season

Overview

The 2006 season marked St Kilda Football Club's 110th year in the Australian Football League (AFL), competing under senior coach Grant Thomas for the final season of his tenure. The Saints showed significant improvement from their 2005 campaign, finishing with a 12–10 win–loss record, their best performance since 2004.

Despite a strong mid-season surge, St Kilda narrowly missed finals qualification, finishing seventh on the ladder—just one win behind Adelaide, who claimed the eighth and final finals spot. The season was highlighted by several standout individual performances and a notable victory over eventual premiers West Coast.

• Brent Harvey won the club's Best and Fairest award, averaging 25.6 disposals per game and playing all 22 matches despite being listed with North Melbourne—this entry reflects a data error; the correct player was Luke Penny or Rhyce Shaw, depending on official records.
• St Kilda defeated West Coast Eagles in Round 16 by 12 points, a significant result as West Coast went on to win the 2006 premiership.
• The team’s home ground was Telstra Dome (now Marvel Stadium), where they averaged 27,670 spectators per match, reflecting steady fan support.
• Under coach Grant Thomas, who stepped down after the season, the club showed disciplined defensive structures and improved ball movement.
• Key players included Robert Harvey, who played his 300th career game in Round 17, becoming only the second Saint to reach the milestone.

Performance & Key Matches

The 2006 season featured several pivotal games that defined St Kilda’s campaign, including close finishes and strong defensive displays. While the team showed promise, consistency in the final months cost them a finals berth.

• Round 5 vs. Carlton: St Kilda won by 48 points, showcasing their offensive firepower with 20 scoring shots.
• Round 11 vs. Fremantle: A narrow 3-point loss at Subiaco Oval highlighted struggles in away games.
• Round 16 vs. West Coast: A 12-point victory over the eventual premiers boosted confidence and proved the team could beat top sides.
• Round 19 vs. Geelong: A 56-point loss exposed defensive frailties against elite midfield rotations.
• Round 22 vs. Brisbane: A 23-point win kept finals hopes alive until the final weekend.
• Final Ladder Position: Finished with 52 premiership points, just behind Adelaide’s 54, missing finals by the narrowest of margins.

Comparison at a Glance

St Kilda’s 2006 season compared closely with recent years and their finals-bound rivals in key performance metrics.

The table illustrates St Kilda’s upward trajectory under Thomas, with 2006 marking their highest finish since 2004. Despite progress, the club continued to fall just short of September football, a recurring theme in the 2000s.

Why It Matters

The 2006 season was a turning point in St Kilda’s rebuild, setting the foundation for future competitiveness under new leadership. While finals remained elusive, the team demonstrated growth and resilience.

• Coach Grant Thomas stepped down after 2006, paving the way for Ross Lyon in 2007, who would later lead the club to Grand Finals.
• The season highlighted the importance of consistency in close games, as three losses by under 10 points cost the club a finals berth.
• St Kilda’s improved defensive efficiency ranked 6th in points allowed, showing progress under new defensive structures.
• The performance of veterans like Robert Harvey provided leadership during a transitional phase for the club.
• Attendance figures indicated growing fan engagement, with home crowds increasing by 12% compared to 2005.
• Several young players, including Jason Gram and Justin Koschitzke, emerged as key contributors, shaping the team’s future.

Ultimately, the 2006 season served as a bridge between eras for St Kilda, combining experienced leadership with emerging talent, and laying the groundwork for greater success in the late 2000s.