What Is 2020 St Kilda Football Club season

Overview

The 2020 St Kilda Football Club season marked a significant turnaround for the team, ending a nine-year drought without finals football. Competing in the Australian Football League (AFL), the Saints finished the shortened 17-round season in 7th place with a 10–11 win-loss record, securing a spot in the finals series.

Coached by Brett Ratten and captained by Jack Steele, the club showed consistent improvement throughout the season, highlighted by strong defensive performances and team cohesion. Despite high hopes, their finals campaign ended in the elimination final against Brisbane, where they were defeated by 30 points at the Gabba on October 2.

• Round 1: St Kilda opened the season with a 31-point win over Sydney at Marvel Stadium on March 21, 2020, setting a positive tone early.
• COVID-19 impact: The season was shortened to 17 rounds and played under strict biosecurity protocols, with matches relocated to Queensland in the final months.
• Best and Fairest: Jack Steele won the 2020 Trevor Barker Award as the club’s best and fairest player, averaging over 25 disposals per game.
• Home ground: Due to pandemic restrictions, St Kilda played only three home games at Marvel Stadium before relocating to Queensland for the season’s end.
• Finals appearance: Their first finals berth since 2011 ended in a 15.12 (102) to 10.9 (69) loss to Brisbane, highlighting areas for improvement.

Performance & Season Highlights

The 2020 season was defined by resilience, adaptability, and a return to competitiveness after years of mid-table finishes. St Kilda’s on-field performance improved significantly under Ratten, with a focus on disciplined defense and ball movement through the midfield.

• Defensive structure: The team conceded the third-fewest points in the league, with a well-organized backline led by Dylan Roberton and Brad Hill.
• Midfield strength: Jack Steele and Blake Grewar combined for an average of over 50 disposals per game, providing consistency in the engine room.
• Key victory: A 43-point win over Collingwood in Round 10 showcased their ability to dominate top-eight opposition at the time.
• Goalkicking: Max King emerged as a key forward, booting 23 goals in 21 games, forming a promising partnership with Dan Butler.
• Coaching: Brett Ratten, in his second season, earned praise for tactical adjustments, particularly in tight games, winning Coach’s Award from the AFL Coaches Association.
• Injuries: Key players like Dougal Howard missed multiple games, but depth in the defensive unit ensured minimal drop-off in performance.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing St Kilda’s 2020 season to recent years reveals a clear upward trajectory in performance and finals contention.

The 2020 season stands out as a turning point, with St Kilda achieving their best ladder finish since 2011. While they narrowly missed the top four, their defensive efficiency and team cohesion marked a shift in culture. The subsequent 2021 season saw similar win totals but no finals, underscoring how crucial the 2020 campaign was in rebuilding club momentum.

Why It Matters

The 2020 season was a pivotal moment for St Kilda, signaling a potential return to sustained competitiveness after years of underperformance. It re-energized the fan base and demonstrated progress under new leadership both on and off the field.

• Player development: Young talents like Max King and Brandon White gained valuable experience, laying the foundation for future success.
• Coaching confidence: Brett Ratten’s contract was extended, showing the club’s faith in his long-term vision for team development.
• Membership growth: Fan engagement increased, with over 35,000 members in 2021, partly fueled by the 2020 finals run.
• Recruitment strategy: The season validated the club’s focus on drafting and developing young talent rather than relying on high-priced free agents.
• Community impact: Despite pandemic challenges, the club maintained outreach programs, strengthening ties with the local community.
• Future outlook: The 2020 campaign set a benchmark, proving St Kilda could compete with elite teams when executing their game plan effectively.

While the finals loss was disappointing, the broader context of the 2020 season was undeniably positive. It represented a cultural shift and a step toward consistent finals football, something the club continues to build upon in subsequent seasons.