What Is 2015 St Kilda Football Club season

Overview

The 2015 St Kilda Football Club season marked the club's 119th year of competition in the Australian Football League (AFL). Coached by Alan Richardson in his second season, the team showed modest improvement from their 2014 campaign but ultimately fell short of finals contention.

Playing most home games at Etihad Stadium and a few at Marvel Stadium, St Kilda finished 13th on the ladder with a 7–15 record. Despite flashes of promise, the Saints failed to secure a finals berth for the sixth consecutive year, continuing a challenging rebuild phase.

• 7 wins and 15 losses: The team's final record reflected incremental progress from their 5–17 record in 2014, showing improved competitiveness in close matches.
• 13th place finish: St Kilda ranked near the bottom of the ladder, ahead of only three teams—Brisbane, Gold Coast, and West Coast.
• Alan Richardson as coach: In his second season, Richardson focused on developing young talent and implementing a more aggressive playing style.
• Jack Billings as leading goalkicker: The young forward topped the club's goalkicking with 38 goals, showcasing emerging offensive potential.
• No finals appearance: The club missed the playoffs for the sixth straight year, extending their drought since their last finals appearance in 2011.

Performance and Key Players

The 2015 season highlighted both development and inconsistency across the St Kilda lineup, with several young players stepping into larger roles amid an ongoing rebuild.

• Sebastian Ross: A breakout season saw Ross average 21.4 disposals per game, earning him the club's Best & Fairest award.
• Jack Steele: The midfielder emerged as a consistent performer, averaging 24.1 disposals and 5.8 tackles per game, displaying elite defensive work rate.
• Ben McEvoy: As co-captain, McEvoy provided stability in defense and ruck, playing all 22 matches and averaging 15 hit-outs per game.
• Dougal Howard: The rookie defender played 18 games in his debut season, offering reliability across the backline.
• Tim Membrey: Joined mid-season via trade and kicked 19 goals in 11 games, adding depth to the forward line.
• Leigh Montagna: In his final season before retirement, Montagna played 15 games, contributing veteran leadership and experience.

Comparison at a Glance

St Kilda's 2015 performance can be better understood when compared to previous seasons and similar mid-table clubs.

The table illustrates a gradual decline from their 2011 finals appearance, with 2015 representing a slight rebound from the low point in 2014. While not competitive enough for September football, the improvement in wins and player development signaled progress in the club's long-term rebuild strategy under new coaching leadership.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season was a transitional year that laid the foundation for future growth, emphasizing youth development and cultural change within the club.

• Rebuilding phase: The season underscored St Kilda's commitment to developing young talent rather than chasing short-term wins.
• Coaching evolution: Alan Richardson's second year allowed for deeper implementation of his game plan and player development strategies.
• Player development: Emerging stars like Jack Steele and Dougal Howard signaled a shift toward a younger, more dynamic list.
• Trade impact: The acquisition of Tim Membrey mid-season demonstrated a more aggressive approach in list management.
• Attendance trends: Average home crowds remained steady at around 33,000, reflecting loyal fan support despite poor results.
• Future implications: The foundation laid in 2015 contributed to improved performances in later seasons, particularly from 2017 onward.

Though not a standout year in terms of results, the 2015 St Kilda season played a crucial role in reshaping the club's identity and setting the stage for a more sustainable future in the AFL.