Просмотр кода страницы Английская Википедия:2021 St Kilda Football Club season

{{Английская Википедия/Панель перехода}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{Infobox AFL club season
| club                 = [[St Kilda Football Club]]
| season               = 2021
| image                = 
| imagesize            = 170px
| caption              = Logo for the 2021 season.
| president            = [[Andrew Bassat]]
| coach                = [[Brett Ratten]]
| captain              = [[Jarryn Geary]]<br/>[[Jack Steele (footballer)|Jack Steele]]
| home ground          = [[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]]
| preseason comp       = [[2021 Marsh Community Series|Pre-season]]
| preseason result     = {{Tooltip|1–0–0|1 win, 0 draws, 0 losses}}
| regularseason comp   = [[2021 AFL season|Home and away season]]
| regularseason result = 10th
| finals series        = [[2021 AFL finals series|Finals series]]
| finals result        = {{Tooltip|DNQ|Did not qualify}}
| club b&f             = [[Trevor Barker Award|Best and fairest]]
| best and fairest     = [[Jack Steele (footballer)|Jack Steele]]
| leading goalscorer   = [[Max King (footballer)|Max King]] (38)
| highest attendance   = 32,056 <small>(15 April vs {{AFL Ric}}, [[2021 AFL season#Round 5|Round 5]])</small>
| lowest attendance    = 16,710 <small>(10 April vs {{AFL WC}}, [[2021 AFL season#Round 4|Round 4]])</small>
| average attendance   = 19,552
| club membership      = 55,802
| prevseason           = [[2020 St Kilda Football Club season|2020]]
| nextseason           = [[2022 St Kilda Football Club season|2022]]
}}

The '''2021 St Kilda Football Club season''' is the 123rd competing in the [[Australian Football League#VFL era (1897–1989)|VFL]]/[[Australian Football League|AFL]] and 137th in [[St Kilda Football Club|the club]]'s history. Coached by [[Brett Ratten]] and co-captained by [[Jarryn Geary]] and [[Jack Steele (footballer)|Jack Steele]], they are competing in the [[Australian Football League|AFL]]'s [[2021 AFL season|2021 Premiership Season]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.saints.com.au/club/history/club-honours|title=Club Honours}}</ref>

== Squad changes ==
===Summary===
The Saints finished the [[2020 St Kilda Football Club season|2020 season]] with a semi-final loss to eventual 2019 premiers, Richmond, and made their first finals appearance in nine years. Following the loss, Coach [[Brett Ratten]] signalled the Saints would look to improve their midfield in the upcoming off-season after the loss to the Tigers; "we'll go for a few things in the trade period. It'd be good to get another midfielder in, that would really help us, and maybe pushing them more into the forward line so we could get some more goal-scoring power as well."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ryder-less Saints found out, but still chasing greatness|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/515897/ryder-less-saints-found-out-but-still-chasing-greatness|access-date=2020-10-11|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref>

At the conclusion of the finals series, the Saints held draft picks 15, 58 (received from Sydney for a trade in 2019), 71 (received from Port Adelaide in 2019) and 87 ahead of the forthcoming trade period.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Indicative draft order: Your club's picks after the prelims|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/519951/indicative-draft-order-your-club-s-picks-after-the-prelims|access-date=2020-10-20|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref>

Due to the late completion of the [[2020 AFL season|2020 AFL Season]] due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic|coronavirus pandemic]], the free agency, trade period and draft were delayed by approximately one month compared to previous years.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|title=Revealed: Dates for Free Agency Period, Trade Period, NAB AFL Draft and other List Lodgement dates|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/498142/player-movement-dates-second-tier-next-generation-academies|access-date=2020-10-19|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref> 

The revised dates are: 
* Free agency period -  30 October–6 November 2020
* Trade period - 4–12 November 2020
* List lodgement #1 - 20 November 2020
* List lodgement #2 - 27 November 2020
* AFL and rookie drafts - week commencing 7 December 2020 (actual date TBC)
* Final list lodgement - Mid-December 2020 (actual date TBC)<ref name=":1" />

=== Retirements and delistings ===
{{main|2020 AFL draft#List changes}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:100%; width:60%;"
! style="background:white; border: solid red 2px;" |Player
! style="background:white; border: solid red 2px;" |Reason
! style="background:white; border: solid red 2px;" |Career games
! style="background:white; border: solid red 2px;" |Career goals
! style="background:white; border: solid red 2px;" |Ref
|-
|[[Nathan Brown (Australian footballer, born 1988)|Nathan Brown]]
|Retired
|183 (53 St Kilda, 130 Collingwood)
|7
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-29|title=AFL 2020: St Kilda star Nathan Brown retires, news, letter to teammates|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/st-kilda-saints/afl-2020-st-kilda-star-nathan-brown-retires-news-letter-to-teammates/news-story/47a316461285cb26cec9a2b1f57796ed|access-date=2020-10-11|website=Fox Sports|language=en-AU}}</ref>
|-
|[[Doulton Langlands]]
|Delisted
|3
|2
|<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Pair of Jacks among five Saints cut after finals exit|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/516994/pair-of-jacks-among-five-saints-cut-after-finals-exit|access-date=2020-10-11|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref>
|-
|[[Ryan Abbott]]
|Delisted
|6 (1 St Kilda, 5 Geelong)
|5
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|Jack Bell
|Delisted
|0
|0
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|Jack Mayo
|Delisted
|0
|0
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[Logan Austin]]
|Delisted
|20 (7 St Kilda, 13 Port Adelaide)
|0
|<ref name=":0" />
|-
|[[Matthew Parker (footballer)|Matthew Parker]]
|Delisted
|19
|16
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Further St Kilda list changes|url=https://www.saints.com.au/news/834331/further-st-kilda-list-changes|access-date=2020-11-08|website=www.saints.com.au}}</ref>
|-
|[[Ed Phillips (footballer)|Ed Philips]]
|Delisted
|15
|4
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Additional St Kilda list change|url=https://www.saints.com.au/news/836542/additional-st-kilda-list-change|access-date=2020-11-18|website=www.saints.com.au}}</ref>
|-
|[[Jonathon Marsh]]
|Delisted
|26 (11 St Kilda, 15 Collingwood)
|3
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Saints confirm additional list change|url=https://www.saints.com.au/news/837414/saints-confirm-additional-list-change|access-date=2020-11-20|website=www.saints.com.au}}</ref>
|-
|[[Shane Savage]]
|Delisted
|165 (109 St Kilda, 56 Hawthorn)
|63
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=A Savage cut: Dashing defender seeks third home after Saints axing|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/525178/a-savage-cut-dashing-defender-seeks-third-home-after-saints-axing|access-date=2020-11-22|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref>
|}

=== Free agency ===
{{main|2020 AFL draft#Free agency}}
On 21 October, [[Adelaide Football Club|Adelaide]] midfielder [[Brad Crouch]] nominated the Saints as his preferred destination during the Free Agency Period following a contract offer from the club. Crouch is a 'Restricted Free Agent' under AFL rules, meaning the Crows can match the contract offer from the Saints to force a trade. Crouch had also attracted interest from [[Geelong Football Club|Geelong]], [[Richmond Football Club|Richmond]] and [[Port Adelaide Football Club|Port Adelaide]], although it is understood that only the Saints were prepared to offer a five-year contract.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Make a Saint of me: Brad Crouch wants to join rising Vic club|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/520418/make-a-saint-of-me-crows-mid-wants-to-join-rising-vic-club|access-date=2020-10-21|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref> On Sunday 1 November, the Saints lodged the paperwork for Crouch, with the Crows having three days to decide whether or not to match the bid.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crows poised to match Crouch offer after bid for pick No.2 falls short|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/523267/crows-poised-to-match-crouch-offer-after-bid-for-pick-no-2-falls-short|access-date=2020-11-01|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref>  Adelaide stated publicly that a compensation pick of anything less than #2 in the AFL Draft would result in the Crows matching the bid to force a trade.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crows poised to match Crouch offer after bid for pick No.2 falls short|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/523267/crows-poised-to-match-crouch-offer-after-bid-for-pick-no-2-falls-short|access-date=2020-11-04|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref> Crouch himself spoke publicly of his desire for the Crows not to match the bid, stating that "I want them to not match. I've told St Kilda I'm fully committed to them, so I want to see that out. At this stage I just want to be at St Kilda and the decision I've made I'm fully committed to them."<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cherny|first=Daniel|date=2020-11-03|title=Crouch hopeful Crows don't match St Kilda offer|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/crouch-hopeful-crows-don-t-match-offer-20201103-p56b3u.html|access-date=2020-11-04|website=The Age|language=en}}</ref> He officially joined the Saints after Adelaide failed to follow-through with their threat to match the bid at the deadline of 5pm on 4 November. Adelaide received draft pick number 23 as compensation.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crouch a Saint after Crows make late call not to match offer|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/523634/crouch-a-saint-after-crows-make-late-call-not-to-match-offer|access-date=2020-11-04|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref>

On 6 November [[Shaun McKernan]] joined the Saints as a Free Agent following his delisting by Essendon. McKernan was courted by a number of clubs including Melbourne, but ultimately signed for the Saints. McKernan was brought in primarily as injury coverage for the Saints' forwards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Saints nab free agent to boost tall stocks|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/523644/saints-nab-free-agent-to-boost-tall-stocks|access-date=2020-11-05|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref>

Former premiership-winning Hawthorn and Melbourne player [[James Frawley (footballer)|James Frawley]] (nephew of former Saints captain [[Danny Frawley]]) joined the Saints as a delisted free agent on 26 November. Frawley had announced his retirement from the Hawks at the end of 2020 but was lured out of retirement and was eligible for selection as a delisted free agent following the first list lodgement on 25 November.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Frawley name returns to St Kilda: Ex-Hawk has retirement rethink|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/525881/frawley-name-returns-to-st-kilda-ex-hawk-has-retirement-rethink|access-date=2020-11-26|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref>

===Trade period===
{{main|2020 AFL draft#Trades}}
Prior to the conclusion of the 2020 season, it was reported that the Saints were interested in current [[North Melbourne Football Club|North Melbourne]] and former [[Western Bulldogs]] player [[Shaun Higgins]] as well as [[Greater Western Sydney Giants|GWS]] youngster [[Jye Caldwell]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Race for Roo mid is on: Cats and Saints circling gun onballer|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/510544/race-for-roo-mid-is-on-cats-and-saints-circling-gun-onballer|access-date=2020-10-11|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref> The Saints' [[Shane Savage]] and [[Jack Lonie]] are believed to be on the radar of rival clubs and may seek trades.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-10-09|title=AFL trade news, whispers 2020: St Kilda rumours, Jye Caldwell, Jake Carlisle contract, Jack Lonie Bulldogs|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-trade-news-whispers-2020-st-kilda-rumours-jye-caldwell-jake-carlisle-contract-jack-lonie-bulldogs/news-story/42b7c84e3c5c744b19181f42100f8a6f|access-date=2020-10-11|website=Fox Sports|language=en-AU}}</ref> Chief Operating Officer [[Simon Lethlean]] said of the upcoming trade period that "it's a busy time of year and we'll be as active as we can be to find players that {{sic|compl|iment|expected=complement}} us. We don't think we're finished with improving our list, we certainly think the five guys we all added (last off-season) have been almost in our best 10 players so if we can (find) more players that can make us better, that's our intention."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Why St Kilda is "not finished" at trade table and the reason behind choosing Gabba as final venue|url=https://www.sen.com.au/news/2020/09/23/why-st-kilda-is-not-finished-at-trade-table-and-the-reason-behind-choosing/|access-date=2020-10-11|website=www.sen.com.au|language=en}}</ref>

On 9 November [[Richmond Football Club|Richmond]] forward-midfielder [[Jack Higgins (Australian footballer)|Jack Higgins]] requested a trade to St Kilda.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Make me a Saint: Young Tiger confirms trade request|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/523931/make-me-a-saint-young-tiger-confirms-trade-request|access-date=2020-11-09|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref> The trade was ultimately completed on the final day of the trade period.  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:100%; width:60%;"
! style="background:white; border: solid red 2px;" |Date
! style="background:white; border: solid red 2px;" |Gained
! style="background:white; border: solid red 2px;" |Lost
! style="background:white; border: solid red 2px;" |Trade partner
! style="background:white; border: solid red 2px;" |Ref
|-
|12 November 2020
|[[Jack Higgins (Australian footballer)|Jack Higgins]]<br>Pick 21 (Matthew Allison)<br>Future 4th Round Pick (2021)
|Pick 17 ([[Max Holmes]])<br>Future 2nd Round pick (2021)
|[[Richmond Football Club|Richmond]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Another Jack in the pack: Saints land Tigers livewire|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/523657/another-jack-in-the-pack-saints-land-tigers-livewire|access-date=2020-11-12|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref>
|-
|12 November 2020
|Pick 67 (unused)<br>Pick 74 (unused)
|[[Nick Hind|Nicholas Hind]]<br>Pick 77 (unused)
|[[Essendon Football Club|Essendon]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Hind legs it to Bomberland: Speedy Saint flies across town|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/524222/hind-legs-it-to-bomberland-speedy-saint-flies-across-town|access-date=2020-11-12|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref>
|-
|9 December 2020
|Pick 43 (Tom Highmore)
|Pick 54 (Cody Brand)<br>Future 4th Round Pick (2021)
|[[Hawthorn Football Club|Hawthorn]]
|<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-10-15|title=Tigers announce further cuts as mega-draft looms - Off-Season Central|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2021-offseason-news-afl-list-changes-delisted-players-trades-draft-picks-retirements-draft-order-rookies-free-agents/news-story/cf069e199aa96cf964195dbe1ac3d512|access-date=2021-10-15|website=Fox Sports|language=en}}</ref>
|}

=== National draft ===
{{main|2020 AFL draft#2020 national draft}}
At the [[2020 AFL draft|2020 AFL Draft]] the Saints recruited two players, key forward Matthew Allison (first round, pick 26) and [[Tom Highmore]] (pick 45). The Saints traded pick 54 and a future fourth-rounder with Hawthorn on draft night to secure pick 45.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Saints boost both ends with promising draft pair|url=https://www.saints.com.au/news/842321/saints-boost-both-ends-with-promising-draft-pair|access-date=2020-12-13|website=www.saints.com.au}}</ref>

=== Pre-season supplemental selection period ===
{{main|2020 AFL draft#Pre-season supplemental selection period}}
In early February 2021, former [[North Melbourne Football Club|North Melbourne]] forward [[Mason Wood]] was added to the Saints' playing group during the pre-season Supplemental Selection Period.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Wood you believe it: Former Roo lands spot at St Kilda|url=https://www.saints.com.au/news/858109/wood-you-believe-it-former-roo-lands-spot-at-st-kilda|access-date=2021-02-06|website=www.saints.com.au}}</ref> The Saints used a second selection on 28-year old former [[Adelaide Football Club|Adelaide]] ruckman [[Paul Hunter (Australian footballer)|Paul Hunter]] in late February<ref>{{Cite web|title=Saints add second Hunter|url=https://www.saints.com.au/news/865115/saints-add-second-hunter|access-date=2021-02-23|website=www.saints.com.au}}</ref> and hold one further Supplemental selection which they can use prior to round 1, or at the mid-season draft.  

=== Mid-season rookie draft ===
{{main|2021 AFL draft#2021 mid-season rookie draft}}
On 2 June, the Saints' added junior ruckman [[Max Heath]] and forward [[Cooper Sharman]] at the 2021 AFL mid-season rookie draft.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Edwards goes No.1, rucks galore taken, Tigers grab ex-Saint|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/624927/edwards-goes-no-1-rucks-galore-taken-tigers-grab-ex-saint|access-date=2021-06-02|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref> The Saints had a total of four available picks for the draft, but ultimately used only two.

==Pre-season==
{{main|2021 AFL season#Pre-season}}
As with previous years, the AAMI Community Series sees many teams playing at small suburban or country venues. The Saints were due to play matches in the northern Perth suburb of [[Leederville, Western Australia|Leederville]] and at their spiritual home of [[Moorabbin Oval]] (currently known as RSEA Park due to naming sponsorship), however, the AFL announced on 31 January that the Community Series would be revised "to protect the health and safety of the competition and the community by reducing travel ahead of the Toyota AFL Premiership Season."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Blues, Saints to open updated AAMI Community Series fixture|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/544094/blues-saints-to-open-updated-aami-community-series-fixture|access-date=2021-01-31|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref>

===Practice matches===
{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" border="1" style="border-collapse:collapse; font-size:90%; text-align:center; width:100%;"
| rowspan="2" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Rd'''
| rowspan="2" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Date and local time'''
| rowspan="2" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Opponent'''
| colspan="3" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Scores''' <small>(St Kilda's scores indicated in '''bold''')</small>
| rowspan="2" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Venue'''
| rowspan="2" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Attendance'''
| rowspan="2" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Ref.'''
|-
! style="color:#002B5C" |Home
! style="color:#002B5C" |Away
! style="color:#002B5C" |Result
|- style="background:#d9f9e9;"
|Practice
|Thursday 25 February, 12pm
|{{AFL NM}}
|6.13 (49)
|'''22.8 (140)'''
|Won by 91 points
|[[Arden Street Oval]] (A)
|TBA
|
|- style="background:#d9f9e9;"
|1
|Thursday 4 March, 7.10pm
|{{AFL Car}}
|15.9 (99)
|'''19.11 (125)'''
|Won by 26 points
|[[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] (A)
|10,228
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Carlton carnage: Injuries, MRO worry sours shootout loss to Saints|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/556099/carlton-carnage-injuries-mro-worry-sours-shootout-loss-to-saints|access-date=2021-03-04|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref>
|}

== Premiership season ==
{{main|2021 AFL season}}
===Summary===
In early January defender [[Dylan Roberton]] announced he was taking a break from his footballing duties to consider his future in football.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dylan Roberton update|url=https://www.saints.com.au/news/848678/dylan-roberton-update|access-date=2021-01-30|website=www.saints.com.au}}</ref> Roberton has been attempting to make a full return to football following a collapse as a result of a heart condition in Round 4 2018. Roberton ultimately announced his retirement from the game on 6 March, stating that "I've come to a point where I need to put my family and future first...after lengthy discussions with my family and on the advice of my doctors, I've made the extremely hard decision to hang up the boots."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-05|title=St Kilda's Dylan Roberton retires from AFL as he puts 'family and future first'|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-05/afl-st-kilda-dylan-roberton-announces-retirement/13221126|access-date=2021-03-08|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU}}</ref> In late January, Captain [[Jarryn Geary]] sustained a fracture to his fibula in the left leg while training. The injury will rule him out of early fixtures, but is likely to return to running and light training after six weeks of rehabilitation.<ref>{{Cite web|title=UPDATE: Veteran Saint suffers broken leg at training|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/543526/update-veteran-saint-suffers-broken-leg-at-training|access-date=2021-01-30|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref> It was announced in early March that Ruckman [[Paddy Ryder]] would temporarily step away from the club to spend time with his family and elders. Ryder received the full support of the club.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ryder to take personal leave|url=https://www.saints.com.au/news/876967/ryder-to-take-personal-leave|access-date=2021-03-11|website=www.saints.com.au}}</ref> Forward [[Max King (footballer)|Max King]] was ruled out of round one following a concussion sustained while playing golf.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-03-14|title=St Kilda's Max King to miss round one with concussion after golfing mishap|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-03-15/st-kildas-max-king-miss-round-one-concussion-golfing-mishap/13247822|access-date=2021-03-17|website=www.abc.net.au|language=en-AU}}</ref> The Round 2 game against Melbourne was named 'Spud's Game' in tribute to former Saints' Captain [[Danny Frawley]], who died in 2019. The game focused on raising awareness and funding for mental health to '"promote a national conversation that can help lead to early intervention and fight the prevalence of mental ill-health in the community."<ref>{{Cite web|title=Spud's Game: Time 2 Talk|url=https://www.saints.com.au/spud|access-date=2021-04-10|website=saints.com.au|language=en}}</ref> The Saints' poor luck with injuries continued when [[Jade Gresham]] suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in the round 3 loss to Essendon.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Achilles injury spells season over for Gresham|url=https://www.saints.com.au/news/897391/achilles-injury-spells-season-over-for-gresham|access-date=2021-04-07|website=saints.com.au|language=en}}</ref> Ryder returned to the club on 6 April and will undertake a preseason-style training regimen to return to full fitness,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Veteran Saint, tough Power mid return to training|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/578991/veteran-saint-tough-power-mid-return-to-training|access-date=2021-04-07|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref> eventually returning in Round 7. 

After the Saints' round nine loss to Geelong, in a game they dominated but failed to kick accurately (5.17) from gettable shots at goal, former player and media commentator [[Nick Dal Santo]] said that<blockquote>"this game is worth hundreds of millions of dollars and we're diluting it with our inability to kick goals. We’ve gone so far one particular way — we love people who can run, we love pressure. How about you kick the damn thing straight? That's a good starting point. Enough is enough....I'm emotional because (the inaccuracy) shouldn't happen at this level. This is the top one per cent of the competition that can't do the fundamentals of the game correctly. When will we learn? When will the industry learn? When will St Kilda learn? When will we give time and resources to the one part of our game that's diluting the product: Skills, but in particularly, goal kicking.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-15|title='Enough is enough': Woeful Saints slammed by club great|url=https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/enough-is-enough-st-kilda-great-nick-dal-santo-slams-clubs-woeful-kicking-display-against-geelong-ng-b881873366z|access-date=2021-05-27|website=The West Australian|language=en}}</ref></blockquote>Following the Saints' shock 111-point loss to the Western Bulldogs in Round 10, the club launched an investigation. After Round 11, the Saints had four wins and six losses with the second-worst percentage in the AFL of just 72.6%, with the season to date a significant decline in performance and results following a top six finish the previous season. By Round 10, the Saints had six losses by an average of 62 points and won just two of the 20 quarters in those games.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Deja Saints: How St Kilda Can Wake From Its Nightmare|url=https://www.statsinsider.com.au/blog/AFL/deja-saints-how-st-kilda-can-wake-from-its-nightmare?fbclid=IwAR0XnMHp48YerNTkG_eVEhn2IA7SntP6ZZWr4s3cymhBZhdOBtu1TXGS5lI|access-date=2021-05-27|website=www.statsinsider.com.au|language=en}}</ref> Brett Ratten said after the loss to the Bulldogs that "the gap between the best and our worst, it's just too big and it's unacceptable...it's unacceptable, and we’ve got to do something about it. We can't just keep going with this. Players that aren't performing will have to go back to the twos. We’ve got some players in pretty good form in the reserves and we'll have to make some changes, because we can't have that. [The players] were told that post-game.”<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cherny|first=Daniel|date=2021-05-23|title=Butler, Battle in the gun but Saints' options limited as axe looms|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/unacceptable-ratten-to-swing-axe-at-st-kilda-20210523-p57ucu.html|access-date=2021-05-27|website=The Age|language=en}}</ref> Former Captain and club legend [[Nick Riewoldt]] questioned the playing group in the media, suggesting that he could tell early in the game that the players “weren't interested in the contest” and keen on treating it like “an athletics carnival”<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=2021-05-24|title=AFL pundits clash over Saints' 'pathetic' inconsistency form and concerning selection precedent|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/st-kilda-saints/afl-news-2021-nick-riewoldt-on-st-kilda-saints-form-bradley-hill-trade-salary-contract-selection-ladder/news-story/fcf92a6fa3506bf9b59c69b9ccb708de|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Fox Sports|language=en}}</ref> Riewoldt added that "it's not a dog-hungry group...the complete disregard or (lack of) desire to defend on four occasions now (in those heavy defeats) and give defensive effort is there for us all to see. The lack of accountability around that I think has now permeated through the group to the point where there would be a lack of trust."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-24|title='Lack of accountability': St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt slams his club|url=https://7news.com.au/sport/afl/lack-of-accountability-st-kilda-legend-nick-riewoldt-slams-his-club-c-2925076|access-date=2021-05-27|website=7NEWS.com.au|language=en}}</ref> Brownlow Medalist Gerard Healy suggested that the team was "playing on its own terms and only playing well with effort every second week. That's the starting point, why the effort is so pathetic every second week."<ref name=":3" /> Following intense media coverage of the recent losses, General Manager of Football [[Simon Lethlean]] faced the media on Monday 24 May stating that: <blockquote>"we had a good conversation and some open questions about how to make the program better, and that's on me that the program is not delivering at the moment...We’ve got a coach the players love and respect. There's more to all this and we’ve got to uncover what that is. This gulf between our best and worst is not good enough, and we’ve got to find a way to dig a bit deeper and get things back on track. We haven't got all the answers right now, but searching for them, and we're not in denial.”<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cherny|first=Daniel|date=2021-05-24|title=Saints boss Lethlean: Blame me, not Ratten|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/saints-boss-lethlean-blame-me-not-ratten-20210524-p57ui4.html|access-date=2021-05-27|website=The Age|language=en}}</ref> </blockquote>President [[Andrew Bassat|Andrew Basat]] issued a letter members on 24 May, writing that:<blockquote>"losing by over 50 points for the fourth time this season in the space of 10 games is not just disappointing, but unacceptable. This is not where any of us want our club to be....Disappointingly and embarrassingly, we have failed to meet those expectations so far, with the results speaking for themselves. It is not just the win–loss margin that is of concern, but the manner in which some of these losses have occurred."<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-24|title=Saints prez 'compelled' to explain club's woes to fans — with startling flag admission|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/st-kilda-saints/afl-2021-st-kilda-problems-andrew-bassat-letter-from-president-premiership-window-contention-saints-news/news-story/3bf3690613c42948e6b752cf79a69219|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Fox Sports|language=en}}</ref></blockquote>Despite the promise to make big changes ahead of the round 11 game against North Melbourne, the Saints only made two omissions (fringe players Lonie and Bytel) in addition to three forced injury changes (Clark, Frawley, McKernan). The selection decision was questioned by some in the media, particularly given one of the omissions, junior Jack Bytel, had been in good form over the past month while bigger name players who had been under scrutiny had been left in the side.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-27|title='Look out everyone...' Ex coach's sarcastic rant exposes Saints' selection hypocrisy|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2021-news-st-kilda-vs-north-melbourne-round-11-teams-saints-blasted-for-changes-max-king-dan-butler/news-story/30e9b0b82b68e282dda4910dcfb44abd|access-date=2021-05-27|website=Fox Sports|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Ryan|first=Peter|date=2021-05-27|title=English back for Bulldogs blockbuster as Saints fail to wield axe|url=https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/english-back-for-bulldogs-blockbuster-as-saints-fail-to-wield-axe-20210527-p57vqh.html|access-date=2021-05-27|website=The Age|language=en}}</ref> Just earlier in the week, Riewoldt and [[Garry Lyon|Gary Lyon]] questioned the integrity of team selection in 2021, with Lyon adding they had set a bad precedent by continuing to name players who were out of form.<ref name=":3" /> Of the selection decision, Ratten explained that recent injuries had left the selection panel with little choice; "we have got three players outside of our emergencies available. One is a Category B ruckman, one is a first-year player and one is a second-year player. They (the latest injuries) all happened yesterday so it threw probably some of our plans out....There has been some harder conversations this week about making sure that their performance is to the level, otherwise maybe they are on their last chance before they get put out of the team."<ref>{{Cite web|title='Threw some of our plans out': Ratts explains why Saints were spared the axe|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/621361/-threw-some-of-our-plans-out-ratts-explains-why-saints-were-spared-the-axe|access-date=2021-05-28|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>

In June, the club and players held a further internal review to address the disappointing efforts of the team and poor inacurracy in front of goal.<ref name="Player effort questioned">{{Cite web|title=Player effort called into question in brutal Saints review|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/632308/player-effort-called-into-question-in-brutal-saints-review|access-date=2021-08-22|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref> With the team at 5-8 and with intense media criticism, the Saints held another 'raw' review in Sydney with coaches and players discussing the lack of effort and the need to improve in order to be a 'dynasty club'.<ref name="Player effort questioned" /> The Saints coaches also addressed members following the Round 13 capitulation against cellar-dwellers Adelaide, after the team blew a 36-point margin in the third quarter to end up losing by six points.

Following the Round 14 bye, the Saints surprised reigning premiers Richmond, keeping them to just 22 points for the game in a 40-point win, and also scored wins over top eight sides and premiership contenders Sydney and Brisbane. After the bye, the Saints won five of the last nine games of the season. The Saints narrowly missed out on finals as a result, missing the top eight by 4 points (one win) and percentage. Of the Saints' four losses in that period, three were narrow and against top eight sides. Comparing the Saints' two halves of the season (rounds 1-13 then 14-23), the Saints lifted their scoring accuracy from 51.2% (17th in the competition) to 63.9% (1st), increased their average points for from 70.6 (16th) to 80.7 (7th),  increased their ladder percentage from 78.3 (16th) to 116.4% (7th), goals per inside 50 from 16.3% (17th) to 20.4% (4th), reduced average points against from 90.2 (13th) to 69.3 (6th) and reduced inside 50s against from 54 (12th) to 47 (4th).<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|title=Why not us? Saints draw inspiration from Demons, Power revivals|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/675240/why-not-us-saints-draw-inspiration-from-demons-power-revivals|access-date=2021-09-11|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref> 

At the conclusion of the season, Ratten was optimistic that the Saints could return to finals in 2022:  <blockquote>"It's (mid-season honesty sessions) dangerous when you do it in that period and are open and honest. There is some risk with it, there's also some reward. We didn't make it (finals) and we didn't deserve to make it and some of the lessons learned will put us in good stead for the future. You can fall, but it's how high you can bounce. Maybe last year with COVID-19, Noosa (hub) and coming back and starting a bit later (in pre-season, were we up and about early? No, we weren't. As a team, we had a year we haven't enjoyed. We finished strongly in the back half of the year, but our first half wasn't that enjoyable with inconsistencies we had. So, the 'why not us' is about getting moving individually and the effect that'll have collectively."<ref name=":4" /></blockquote>

=== Home and away season ===
{{main|2021 AFL season#Home and away season}}
Due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic|Coronavirus pandemic]], the AFL's announcement of the 2021 fixture was significantly delayed compared with previous years. The AFL announced the round one fixture on 20 December and a tentative full fixture on 21 December. 2021 sees the Saints play fellow 2020 finalists Richmond, Port Adelaide, Geelong and West Cost twice. The Saints will for the first time play an AFL match in Cairns, Queensland, when they host Adelaide in round 13; the game will be played place of the Saints' fixture against Port Adelaide in [[Shanghai]], [[China]] (which it played in 2019, but was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic). AFL crowds were capped at 50% in Victoria for round 1, but the cap was lifted to 75% for Round 2 onwards.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crowds upped to 75 per cent ahead of Spud's Game|url=https://www.saints.com.au/news/886990/crowds-upped-to-75-per-cent-ahead-of-spud-s-game|access-date=2021-03-25|website=www.saints.com.au}}</ref> On 27 May the AFL and Victorian Government announced there would be no crowds for round 11 following the implementation of a seven-day COVID-19 lockdown in Melbourne.<ref>{{Cite web|title=No crowds for Round 11, Saints-Roos clash remains at Marvel Stadium|url=https://www.saints.com.au/news/945648/no-crowds-for-round-11-saints-roos-clash-remains-at-marvel-stadium|access-date=2021-05-27|website=saints.com.au|language=en}}</ref> On 2 June, the Saints and Swans' Round 12 and Round 21 fixtures were swapped due to a COVID-19 outbreak in Melbourne.<ref>{{Cite web|title=FIXTURE UPDATE: R12 blockbuster finally finds venue, Crows-Pies clash still TBC|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/624485/fixture-update-r12-blockbuster-finally-finds-venue-crows-pies-clash-still-tbc|access-date=2021-06-01|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>    

{| cellspacing="0" cellpadding="3" border="1" style="border-collapse:collapse; font-size:90%; text-align:center; width:100%;"
| rowspan="2" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Rd'''
| rowspan="2" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Date and local time'''
| rowspan="2" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Opponent'''
| colspan="3" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Scores''' <small>(St Kilda's scores indicated in '''bold''')</small>
| rowspan="2" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Venue'''
| rowspan="2" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Attendance'''
| rowspan="2" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Ladder'''
| rowspan="2" style="border: solid #ED0F05 2px;" |'''Ref.'''
|-
! style="color:#002B5C" |Home
! style="color:#002B5C" |Away
! style="color:#002B5C" |Result
|- style="background:#d9f9e9;"
|1
|Sunday 21 March, 3.20pm
|{{AFL GWS}}
|11.12 (78)
|'''13.8 (86)'''
|Won by 8 points
|[[Sydney Showground Stadium]] (A)
|5,014<br>(COVID-19 limit: 18,000)
|8th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Saints scrape past Giants in a wet, wild thriller|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/567013/saints-scrape-past-giants-in-a-wet-wild-thriller|access-date=2021-03-21|website=www.afl.com.au}}</ref>
|- style=background:#fcc
|2
|Saturday 27 March, 7.25pm
|{{AFL Mel}}
|'''11.7 (73)'''
|12.19 (91)
|Lost by 18 points
|[[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] (H)
|25,903<br>(COVID-19 limit: 43,500)
|10th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dees keep Saints at bay to make it two from two|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/570442/dees-keep-saints-at-bay-to-make-it-two-from-two|access-date=2021-03-27|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style=background:#fcc
|3
|Saturday 3 April, 4.35pm
|{{AFL Ess}}
|22.11 (143)
|'''9.14 (68)'''
|Lost by 75 points
|[[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] (A)
|29,234<br>(COVID-19 limit: 43,500)
|16th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFL - News, Fixtures, Scores & Results|url=https://www.afl.com.au/matches/3036|access-date=2021-04-07|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style="background:#d9f9e9;"
|4
|Saturday 10 April, 4.35
|{{AFL WCE}}
|'''15.12 (102)'''
|13.4 (82)
|Won by 20 points
|[[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] (H)
|16,710<br>(COVID-19 limit: 43,500)
|11th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Scintillating Saints find their mojo to overrun stunned Eagles|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/580404/scintillating-saints-find-their-mojo-to-overrun-stunned-eagles|access-date=2021-04-10|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style=background:#fcc
|5
|Thursday 15 April, 7.20pm
|{{AFL Ric}}
|'''7.6 (48)'''
|20.14 (134)
|Lost by 86 points
|[[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] (H)
|32,056<br>(COVID-19 limit: 43,500)
|13th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFL - News, Fixtures, Scores & Results|url=https://www.afl.com.au/matches/3013|access-date=2021-04-16|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style=background:#fcc
|6
|Sunday 25 April, 6.10pm
|{{AFL PA}}
|14.9 (93)
|'''5.9 (39)'''
|Lost by 54 points
|[[Adelaide Oval]] (A)
|33,125<br>(COVID-19 limit: 40,000)
|16th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lacklustre Saints outclassed in Port Adelaide clinic|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/601882/lacklustre-saints-outclassed-in-port-adelaide-clinic|access-date=2021-04-25|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style="background:#d9f9e9;"
|7
|Saturday 1 May, 4.35pm
|{{AFL Haw}}
|'''19.14 (128)'''
|9.5 (59)
|Won by 69 points
|[[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] (H)
|26,433<br>(COVID-19 limit: 43,500)
|14th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Saints back on song in round seven shellacking of Hawks|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/604449/saints-back-on-song-in-shellacking-of-hawks|access-date=2021-05-01|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style="background:#d9f9e9;"
|8
|Saturday 8 May, 2.10pm
|{{AFL GCS}}
|7.12 (54)
|'''8.15 (63)'''
|Won by 9 points
|[[Carrara Stadium|Cararra Stadium]] (A)
|9,271 
|11th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Saints storm past Suns in final-quarter blitz|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/609173/saints-storm-past-suns-in-final-quarter-blitz|access-date=2021-05-08|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style=background:#fcc
|9
|Friday 14 May, 7.50pm
|{{AFL Gee}}
|'''5.17 (47)'''
|10.8 (68)
|Lost by 21 points
|[[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] (H)
|26,712<br>(COVID-19 limit: 43,500)
|11th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Scratchy Cats do enough as Saints' yips return|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/612563/scratchy-cats-do-enough-as-saints-yips-return|access-date=2021-05-15|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style=background:#fcc
|10
|Saturday 22 May, 7.25pm
|{{AFL WB}}
|21.18 (144)
|'''5.3 (33)'''
|Lost by 111 points
|[[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] (A)
|28,720<br>(COVID-19 limit: 43,500)
|14th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Dogs maul Saints, but Treloar injury sours win|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/617466/dogs-maul-saints-but-treloar-injury-sours-win|access-date=2021-05-23|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style="background:#d9f9e9;"
|11
|Saturday 29 May, 4.35pm
|{{AFL NM}}
|'''12.16 (88)'''
|10.8 (68)
|Won by 20 points
|[[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] (H)
|0<br>(COVID-19 limit: 0)
|12th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Saints alive! Win over Roos keeps finals in picture|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/621800/saints-alive-win-over-roos-keeps-finals-in-picture|access-date=2021-05-29|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style=background:#fcc
|12
|Saturday 5 June, 1.45pm
|{{AFL Syd}}
|13.14 (92)
|12.11 (83)
|Lost by 9 points
|[[SCG Stadium|SCG]] (A)
|19,020
|12th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Swans stand tall as 'missy' Higgins costs Saints|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/625974/swans-stand-tall-as-missy-higgins-costs-saints|access-date=2021-06-05|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style=background:#fcc
|13
|Saturday 12 June, 7.25pm
|{{AFL Ade}}
| '''8.12 (60)'''
|9.12 (66)
|Lost by 6 points
|[[Cazalys Stadium]] (H)
|5,969
|13th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFL - News, Fixtures, Scores & Results|url=https://www.afl.com.au/matches/3116|access-date=2021-06-12|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|14
|colspan="7" align="center"|'''Bye Round'''
|13th
|- style="background:#d9f9e9;"
|15
|Friday 25 June, 7.50pm
|{{AFL Ric}}
|2.10 (22)
|'''9.8 (62)'''
|Won by 40 points
|[[Melbourne Cricket Ground|MCG]] (A)
|14,787<br>(COVID-19 limit: 25,000)
|12th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFL - News, Fixtures, Scores & Results|url=https://www.afl.com.au/matches/3107|access-date=2021-06-26|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style="background:#d9f9e9;"
|16
|Sunday 4 July, 3.20pm
|{{AFL Col}}
|8.13 (61)
|'''10.10 (70)'''
|Won by 9 points
|[[Melbourne Cricket Ground|MCG]] (A)
|18,082<br>(COVID-19 limit: 25,000)
|11th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFL - News, Fixtures, Scores & Results|url=https://www.afl.com.au/matches/3118|access-date=2021-07-08|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style="background:#d9f9e9;"
|17
|Saturday 10 July, 7.25pm
|{{AFL BL}}
|8.15 (63)
|'''14.11 (95)'''
|Won by 32 points
|[[Carrara Stadium|Cararra Stadium]] (A)
|9,075
|9th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Kings of the jungle: Saints stun Lions in third straight win|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/644636/kings-of-the-jungle-saints-stun-lions-in-third-straight-win|access-date=2021-07-10|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style=background:#fcc
|18
|Saturday 13 July, 7.25pm
|{{AFL PA}}
|'''8.13 (61)'''
|10.14 (74)
|Lost by 13 points
|[[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] (H)
|0<br>(COVID-19 limit: 0)
|11th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFL - News, Fixtures, Scores & Results|url=https://www.afl.com.au/matches/3109|access-date=2021-07-28|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style=background:#fcc
|19
|Friday 23 July - Sunday 25 July
|{{AFL WCE}}
|14.10 (94)
|'''13.8 (86)'''
|Lost by 8 points
|[[Perth Stadium]] (A)
|43,657
|12th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFL - News, Fixtures, Scores & Results|url=https://www.afl.com.au/matches/3175|access-date=2021-07-28|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style=background:#fcc
|20
|Friday 30 July, 7.50pm
|{{AFL Car}}
|'''12.9 (81)'''
|18.4 (112)
|Lost by 31 points
|[[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] (H)
|0<br>(COVID-19 limit: 0)
|13th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Blues somehow in finals mix as Saints' hopes fade away|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/655266/blues-somehow-in-finals-mix-as-saints-hopes-fade-away|access-date=2021-07-31|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style="background:#d9f9e9;"
|21
|Saturday 7 August, 7.35pm
|{{AFL Syd}}
|'''14.9 (93)'''
|10.4 (64) 
|Won by 29 points
|[[Docklands Stadium|Marvel Stadium]] (H)
|0<br>(COVID-19 limit: 0)
|11th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Saints still in hunt as Swans' double-chance hopes fade|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/659950/saints-still-in-hunt-as-swans-double-chance-hopes-fade|access-date=2021-08-07|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style=background:#fcc
|22
|Saturday 14 August, 4.35pm
|{{AFL Gee}}
|13.7 (85)
|'''11.5 (71)'''
|Lost by 14 points
|[[Kardinia Park (stadium)|Kardinia Park]] (A)
|0<br>(COVID-19 limit: 0)
|12th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Cats lock up double chance with gritty win over Saints|url=https://www.afl.com.au/news/663687/cats-lock-up-double-chance-with-gritty-win-over-saints|access-date=2021-08-14|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|- style="background:#d9f9e9;"
|23
|Sunday 22 August, 12.15pm
|[[Fremantle Football Club|Fremantle Dockers]]
|'''17.5 (107)'''
|6.13 (49)
|Won by 58 points
|[[Bellerive Oval]] (H)
|3,082
|10th
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=AFL - News, Fixtures, Scores & Results|url=https://www.afl.com.au/matches/3170|access-date=2021-08-22|website=afl.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|}

=== Standings ===
{{:2021 AFL season|transcludesection=Ladder|showteam=STK}}

== Post-season==
===Awards===
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Recipient
!Award
!Presented By
!Notes
!Ref
|-
|Max King
|22Under22 (40-man Preliminary Squad)
|AFL Players' Association
|
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=King selected in AFLPA 22Under22 squad|url=https://www.saints.com.au/news/998624/king-selected-in-aflpa-22under22-squad|access-date=2021-08-23|website=saints.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|Max King
|Best Emerging Player
|St Kilda
|
|<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|title=Steele joins elite company with back-to-back Trevor Barker Awards|url=https://www.saints.com.au/news/1017411/steele-joins-elite-company-with-back-to-back-trevor-barker-awards|access-date=2021-09-18|website=saints.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|Seb Ross
|Life Membership
|St Kilda
|
|<ref name=":5" />
|-
|Jack Sinclair
|Robert Harvey Best Clubman Award
|St Kilda
|
|<ref name=":5" />
|-
|Jack Steele
|[[2021 All-Australian team|All Australian]]
|AFL
|
|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Steele named in 2021 Therabody All Australian Squad|url=https://www.saints.com.au/news/1007588/steele-named-in-2021-therabody-all-australian-squad|access-date=2021-08-23|website=saints.com.au|language=en}}</ref>
|-
|Jack Steele
|Dare Sainter of the Year
|St Kilda
|
|<ref name=":5" />
|-
|Jack Steele
|Lenny Hayes Crest Player Award 
|St Kilda
|Given to the Saint who best upheld the values of the club crest throughout the season
|<ref name=":5" />
|-
|Jack Steele
|[[Trevor Barker Award]]
|St Kilda
|234 votes
|<ref name=":5" />
|}

===Best and fairest===
{{see also|Trevor Barker Award}}
{| class="wikitable"
!Position
!Player
!Votes
|-
|'''1'''
|'''Jack Steele'''
|'''234'''
|-
|2
|Jack Sinclair
|155
|-
|3
|Tim Membrey
|136
|-
|4
|Callum Wilkie
|124
|-
|=5
|Brad Crouch
|120
|-
|=5
|Brad Hill
|120
|-
|6
|Seb Ross
|117
|-
|7
|Dougal Howard
|112
|-
|8
|Jimmy Webster
|105
|-
|9
|Max King
|101
|}

==Players and staff==
===Players and coaching staff list===
The playing squad and coaching staff of the St Kilda Football Club for the [[2021 AFL season]] as of 10 October 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=AFL |url=https://www.saints.com.au/teams/mens |website=saints.com.au |access-date=28 June 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Coaches |url=https://www.saints.com.au/teams/coaches |website=saints.com.au |access-date=28 June 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
{{Rls
|squadname=St Kilda Football Club
|BC1      =black; border: solid #ED0F05 2px
|FC1      =white
|BC2      =black; border: solid #ED0F05 2px
|FC2      =white 
|source   =<ref>{{cite web |title=AFL |url=https://www.saints.com.au/teams/mens |website=saints.com.au |access-date=28 June 2021 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Coaches |url=https://www.saints.com.au/teams/coaches |website=saints.com.au |access-date=28 June 2021 |language=en}}</ref>
|date     = {{date|20211010213914|DMY}}
|column1_title=Senior list
|list1a= {{Rls player|no=1|name=[[Nick Coffield]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=2|name=[[Jake Carlisle]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=3|name=[[Zak Jones]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=4|name=[[Jade Gresham]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=5|name=[[Brad Crouch]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=6|name=[[Sebastian Ross]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=7|name=[[Luke Dunstan]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=8|name=[[Bradley Hill (footballer)|Bradley Hill]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=9|name=[[Jack Steele]] (c)}}
*{{Rls player|no=10|name=[[Dan Hannebery]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=11|name=[[Hunter Clark]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=12|name=[[Max King (footballer)|Max King]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=13|name=[[Jack Lonie]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=14|name=[[Jarryn Geary]] (c)}}
*{{Rls player|no=15|name=[[Jack Billings]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=16|name=[[Dan Butler (Australian footballer)|Dan Butler]]}} 
*{{Rls player|no=17|name=[[Dylan Roberton]]}}(ret.)
*{{Rls player|no=18|name=[[Paddy Ryder]]}}
|list2a={{Rls player|no=19|name=[[Rowan Marshall]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=20|name=[[Dougal Howard]] (vc)}}
*{{Rls player|no=21|name=[[Ben Long (footballer)|Ben Long]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=22|name=[[Jack Higgins (Australian footballer)|Jack Higgins]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=23|name=[[Jack Bytel]]}} 
*{{Rls player|no=24|name=[[James Frawley (footballer)|James Frawley]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=25|name=[[Dean Kent (footballer)|Dean Kent]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=26|name=[[Josh Battle]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=27|name=[[Shaun McKernan]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=28|name=[[Tim Membrey]] (vc)}}
*{{Rls player|no=29|name=[[Jimmy Webster]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=30|name=[[Matthew McLeod-Allison]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=31|name=[[Ryan Byrnes]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=33|name=[[Ben Paton (Australian footballer)|Ben Paton]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=34|name=[[Tom Highmore]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=35|name=[[Jack Sinclair (footballer)|Jack Sinclair]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=36|name=[[Daniel McKenzie (footballer)|Daniel McKenzie]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=37|name=[[Leo Connolly]]}}
|column2_title=Rookie list
|list4a={{Rls player|no=32|name=[[Mason Wood]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=38|name=[[Oscar Clavarino]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=39|name=[[Darragh Joyce]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=41|name=[[Paul Hunter (Australian footballer)|Paul Hunter]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=42|name=[[Max Heath]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=43|name=[[Cooper Sharman]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=44|name=[[Callum Wilkie]]}}
*{{Rls player|no=45|name=[[Sam Alabakis]] <small>(B)</small>}}

|coach= [[Brett Ratten]]
|assistant= [[Brendon Lade]] <small>(forwards/team offence)</small>
|assistant2= [[Aaron Hamill]] <small>(backline/team defence)</small>
|assistant3= [[Adam Skrobalak]] <small>(midfield)</small>
|assistant5= [[Ben McGlynn]] <small>(development manager)</small>
|assistant6= [[Jake Batchelor]] <small>([[Victorian Football League|VFL]] coach/development)</small>
|assistant7= [[David Rath]] <small>(head of football program)</small>
|assistant8= [[Billy Slater]] <small>(leadership and development program)</small>
|assistant9= [[Jarryd Roughead]] <small>(football operations assistant)</small>
*[[Ben Robbins]] <small>(Head of Mental Health and Well Being)</small>
*[[Sean Dempster]] <small>(assistant)</small>

|legend1=(B) Category B rookie
<!--|legend2=[[File:Arrow-up.gif|8px]] Upgraded rookie(s)-->
|legend3=''italics'' - Inactive player list
|legend4=[[File:Cruz Roja.svg|8px]] Long-term injury
|legend5=(ret.) Retired
}}

===Leadership group===
The club elevated Jack Steele to the position of Co-Captain, alongside Jarryn Geary. 2020 leaders Bradley Hill and Dylan Roberton were omitted from the group, replaced by Dougal Howard and Callum Wilkie for 2021. The 2021 Leadership Group comprises:<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-02-11|title=Captain Jack: Saints unveil new-look skipper set-up for 2021|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-news-2021-st-kilda-captains-jarryn-geary-jack-steele-leadership-group/news-story/8b72891c1f32eaffe6937e10da96a01e|access-date=2021-03-17|website=Fox Sports|language=en}}</ref> 

* Jarryn Geary (co-captain)
* Jack Steele (co-captain)
* Dougal Howard (co-vice captain)
* Tim Membrey (co-vice captain)
* Seb Ross
* Jack Billings
* Callum Wilkie

===Player selection and availability===
Team selection of the St Kilda Football Club for the 2021 AFL season as of 22 August 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://afltables.com/afl/stats/teams/stkilda/2021_gbg.html | title=AFL Tables - St Kilda - 2021 Game by Game Player Stats }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!Player
!R1
!2
!3
!4
!5
!6
!7
!8
!9
!10
!11
!12
!13
!15
!16
!17
!18
!19
!20
!21
!22
!23
|-
|Sam Alabakis
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|Josh Battle
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|m
|m
|
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|-
|Jack Billings
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|i
|i
|-
|Dan Butler
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Ryan Byrnes
|i
|i
|i
|i
|
|
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|m
|-
|Jack Bytel
|x
|m
|e
|x
|x
|m
|x
|x
|x
|x
|e
|
|m
|i
|i
|
|m
|
|e
|m
|e
|x
|-
|Jake Carlisle
|e
|e
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|-
|Hunter Clark
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|x
|x
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|x
|i
|i
|i
|-
|Oscar Clavarino
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|x
|x
|e
|
|
|
|
|x
|
|
|m
|x
|-
|Leo Connolly
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|e
|
|
|e
|m
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|i
|-
|Nick Coffield
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|e
|
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|i
|i
|x
|e
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Brad Crouch
|s
|s
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Luke Dunstan
|e
|
|
|
|x
|
|e
|
|
|e
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|e
|-
|James Frawley
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|
|
|x
|x
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|
|
|
|i
|i
|i
|i
|-
|Jarryn Geary
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|
|x
|x
|x
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|-
|Jade Gresham
|x
|x
|x
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|-
|Dan Hannebery
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|
|
|
|
|
|x
|x
|-
|Max Heath
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|-
|Jack Higgins
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|i
|i
|x
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Bradley Hill
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Dougal Howard
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|x
|x
|-
|Tom Highmore
|x
|x
|
|
|
|e
|
|e
|x
|m
|x
|m
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|x
|x
|i
|i
|-
|Paul Hunter
|x
|x
|e
|
|x
|
|
|
|
|
|e
|e
|x
|e
|e
|
|e
|x
|x
|e
|e
|x
|-
|Zak Jones
|i
|x
|x
|x
|i
|x
|x
|x
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Darragh Joyce
|
|
|
|
|e
|x
|x
|x
|e
|e
|
|
|e
|
|
|e
|e
|
|
|x
|x
|i
|-
|Dean Kent
|e
|
|e
|
|
|
|
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|e
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Max King
|i
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|-
|Ben Long
|x
|x
|m
|m
|m
|x
|
|e
|m
|
|e
|e
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|
|e
|x
|-
|Jack Lonie
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|e
|m
|x
|x
|m
|e
|x
|e
|e
|e
|e
|e
|
|e
|
|e
|-
|Rowan Marshall
|i
|i
|i
|x
|i
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|i
|i
|i
|x
|x
|x
|x
|c
|x
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Matthew McLeod-Allison
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|e
|
|e
|
|e
|-
|Daniel McKenzie
|x
|e
|x
|x
|x
|x
|s
|i
|
|
|
|i
|i
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Shaun McKernan
|x
|x
|x
|e
|
|e
|e
|
|e
|x
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|
|
|
|
|-
|Tim Membrey
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|o
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Ben Paton
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|-
|Seb Ross
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|o
|x
|x
|x
|x
|o
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Paddy Ryder
|o
|o
|o
|o
|o
|
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|i
|i
|i
|-
|Cooper Sharman
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|m
|m
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Jack Sinclair
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Jack Steele
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Jimmy Webster
|x
|x
|i
|x
|x
|i
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Callum Wilkie
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|-
|Mason Wood
|m
|e
|x
|e
|
|e
|m
|x
|
|
|x
|x
|x
|x
|x
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|i
|}
''Legend: x - selected; m - selected as the medical substitute; e - selected as an emergency; i - unavailable due to injury; s - unavailable due to suspension; o unavailable due to personal leave; c- unavailable due to COVID-19 isolation;  blank - available but did not play''

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Official|saints.com.au}}
*[http://afltables.com/afl/teams/stkilda/allgames.html#2021 Listing of St Kilda game results in 2021]

{{St Kilda Football Club seasons}}
{{2021 AFL season}}

[[Category:St Kilda Football Club seasons]]
[[Category:2021 Australian Football League season|St Kilda]]
[[Category:2021 in Australian rules football|St Kilda]]
{{Навигационная таблица/Портал/Английская Википедия}}
[[Категория:Английская Википедия]]
[[Категория:Википедия]]
[[Категория:Статья из Википедии]]
[[Категория:Статья из Английской Википедии]]