What Is 2019 St Kilda Football Club season

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2019 St Kilda Football Club season was the club's 123rd in the AFL, finishing 10th on the ladder with a 9–13 win–loss record under coach Alan Richardson before Ross Lyon took over as senior coach late in the season.

Key Facts

St Kilda finished the 2019 AFL season in 10th place with 9 wins and 13 losses
Alan Richardson coached the first 17 games before being replaced by Ross Lyon in July 2019
The club played home games at Marvel Stadium and RSEA Park in Moorabbin
St Kilda scored an average of 77.1 points per game, ranking 14th in the league
The team’s best performance was a 73-point win over Brisbane in Round 15

Overview

The 2019 St Kilda Football Club season marked the club’s 123rd year of competition in the Australian Football League. Competing under dual coaching leadership, the Saints struggled for consistency, finishing outside the finals for the 15th consecutive season.

Beginning the year under Alan Richardson, the team showed flashes of improvement but failed to secure a top-eight position. A mid-season coaching change brought Ross Lyon back to the club, signaling a long-term rebuild focused on youth and defensive structure.

Season record: The Saints won 9 and lost 13 games, placing them 10th on the AFL ladder, just outside the top eight.
Coaching transition: Alan Richardson was dismissed after Round 17, having coached 111 games since 2014, with Ross Lyon appointed as senior coach for the remainder of the season.
Home grounds: St Kilda split home matches between Marvel Stadium in Melbourne and RSEA Park (Moorabbin Oval), their primary training and administrative base.
Scoring average: The team averaged 77.1 points per game, the 14th-highest in the league, highlighting ongoing offensive inefficiencies.
Best win: A dominant 73-point victory over the Brisbane Lions in Round 15 at Marvel Stadium stood as the season’s most convincing performance.

Coaching and Leadership

The 2019 season was defined by a significant leadership shift, as St Kilda sought to reinvigorate its on-field performance after years of middling results. The decision to replace Richardson mid-season reflected growing pressure from fans and the board for tangible progress.

Alan Richardson: Coached from 2014 to July 2019, his tenure ended after a 9–13 start in 2019, with a total record of 37 wins and 74 losses over six seasons.
Ross Lyon: Reappointed as senior coach in July 2019 after previously leading Fremantle from 2007 to 2016, bringing experience in building defensive-focused teams.
Captaincy: Jarryn Geary served as club captain, supported by vice-captain Dylan Roberton, both key figures in maintaining team morale during transition.
Recruitment: The club drafted players like Connor Rozee (Pick 2) and Sam De Koning in the 2019 AFL Draft, signaling a youth-focused rebuild under Lyon.
Player development: Emphasis was placed on improving young talent such as Jack Steele and Seb Ross, who averaged over 25 disposals per game.
Game strategy: The team shifted toward a defensive, low-risk style under Lyon, reducing scoring but aiming for tighter margins and improved close-game execution.

Comparison at a Glance

St Kilda’s 2019 performance can be better understood when compared to other mid-tier AFL clubs in terms of wins, scoring, and coaching changes.

Team	Wins	Points Per Game	Final Position	Coaching Change
St Kilda	9	77.1	10th	Yes
Fremantle	10	85.3	8th	No
North Melbourne	6	72.4	17th	Yes
Richmond	17	105.6	1st	No
West Coast	13	92.8	5th	No

This comparison shows that while St Kilda outperformed some lower-ranked teams, they lagged behind fellow mid-table clubs in scoring and finals qualification. The coaching change mid-season mirrored North Melbourne’s path, though St Kilda’s win tally was slightly better. The data underscores the competitive gap between top-eight teams and those rebuilding, like the Saints.

Why It Matters

The 2019 season was a turning point for St Kilda, setting the foundation for a multi-year rebuild under new leadership. The shift in coaching and strategy reflected broader organizational goals to return to consistent finals contention.

Long-term vision: Lyon’s return signaled a focus on disciplined defense and player development, aiming to stabilize performance over several seasons.
Youth integration: Young players were given more responsibility, preparing them for leadership roles in the 2020s.
Fan engagement: Despite missing finals, home game attendance remained steady at around 30,000 per match, showing continued support.
Recruitment strategy: The club prioritized drafting athletic midfielders and defenders, reshaping the list for future competitiveness.
Financial stability: Strong membership numbers (over 30,000) provided resources to invest in facilities and coaching staff.
League parity: St Kilda’s struggles highlighted ongoing challenges for mid-tier clubs in breaking into the AFL’s upper echelon.

The 2019 season, while not successful in traditional metrics, was pivotal in setting a new strategic course for the club’s future in the AFL landscape.