What Is 2011 St Kilda Football Club season

Overview

The 2011 season marked St Kilda Football Club’s 115th year in the Australian Football League (AFL) and was widely regarded as one of their most competitive under coach Ross Lyon. After finishing 4th on the ladder with 13 wins and 10 losses, the Saints secured a double chance in the finals series, highlighting a resilient campaign.

Despite strong performances throughout the season and in the early finals, the club ultimately fell short of a premiership, losing a close preliminary final to Collingwood by just 7 points. The season was notable for its highs and lows, including a dominant 100-point victory and a dramatic finals exit.

• Home-and-away record: The Saints finished with a 13–10 win-loss record, securing 4th place and a double chance in the finals.
• Coach: Ross Lyon remained head coach, maintaining a defensive-focused game plan that kept St Kilda competitive.
• Best and Fairest: Nick Riewoldt won the Trevor Barker Award as the club’s best player for the season.
• Attendance: Average home crowd was approximately 29,000, primarily at Etihad Stadium.
• Biggest win: A 100-point demolition of Melbourne in Round 20, winning 25.14 (164) to 9.8 (62) at the MCG.

Finals Campaign

The 2011 finals series tested St Kilda’s resilience and tactical discipline, as they aimed to reach their first Grand Final since 2009. After a strong home-and-away season, the Saints entered September with momentum, but faced tough opposition in the final rounds.

• Qualifying Final: St Kilda defeated West Coast 15.12 (102) to 13.10 (88) at Patersons Stadium, showcasing defensive grit.
• Preliminary Final: Lost to Collingwood 7.10 (52) to 8.5 (53) in a tense match at the MCG, ending their premiership hopes.
• Key injury: Ruckman Michael Gardiner missed the finals due to a shoulder injury sustained late in the season.
• Scoring efficiency: The team averaged 89.4 points per game, ranking 8th in the league for offensive output.
• Defensive record: Conceded only 77.6 points per game, one of the best defensive averages in the competition.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how St Kilda’s 2011 season compares to key rivals and previous years:

The table shows St Kilda’s balanced performance in 2011. While they scored fewer points than minor premier Geelong, their defensive discipline kept them competitive. Finishing above Carlton on percentage and just behind Collingwood in the finals, the Saints demonstrated consistency but lacked the offensive firepower of the top two teams.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season remains a significant chapter in St Kilda’s modern history, representing both the peak and the beginning of a decline under Ross Lyon. The campaign highlighted the team’s ability to compete at the highest level, yet exposed limitations in closing out tight finals matches.

• Preliminary final loss: The 7-point defeat to Collingwood ended St Kilda’s premiership hopes, marking their last final until 2017.
• Player development: Young players like Jack Steven and Dylan Roberton gained crucial finals experience.
• Coaching legacy: Ross Lyon’s tenure ended after 2011, as he departed for Fremantle, leaving a mixed legacy of finals football but no flag.
• Attendance trends: Declining crowds in later years can be traced to the post-2011 drop-off in consistent finals appearances.
• Club morale: The narrow loss in the preliminary final led to a period of rebuilding and roster turnover.
• Historical context: This was the last season St Kilda won a final until 2023, underscoring its importance in club history.

Ultimately, the 2011 season stands as a bittersweet reminder of what could have been for St Kilda fans, combining strong regular-season performances with a heartbreaking finals exit.