Here's my thoughts on the St Kilda players priced $222,300 and below.
A lot of younger players could push for Rnd1 so I'd be watching the preseason games closely.
Defenders
Brodie Murdoch - $193,500 (DEF/FWD) This is his third year and he was in & out of the team, playing 9 games last year. He kept doing well in VFL with high possessions and goals but he just couldn't string enough good senior games together. He was both sub and subbed and I'm not sure Alan Richardson knows what position to play him. He played through the mids and wing at times for Sandringham but his chance really lies up forward. Even if he plays Rnd1, and he's not the sub, I still wouldn't be confident of him holding his spot.
Hugh Goddard - $122,300 (DEF/FWD) He certainly looks ready to play as a tall defender. However, with the good form of Delaney (5th in Trevor Barker Medal) and the return from injury of Fisher, Gilbert and Simpkin, a spot may depend on their fitness. Which, given Fisher, Gilbert and Simpkin's injury history gives Goddard every chance to play Rnd1! Definitely one to watch during NAB Cup.
Daniel McKenzie - $117,300 (DEF/MID) Medium sized dynamo who'll play at some stage, but would have to leapfrog a few in front of him. He's most likely to play halfback, but he may find it difficult with Dempster, Geary, Savage, Shenton, Webster, Wright and Roberton already vying for spots. I'll be interested to see where Richardson plays him during NAB Cup because he also pushed forward for Vic Metro and to the wing for Oakleigh Chargers. I'd be closely observing him during the preseason games.
Midfielders
Blake Acres - $220,700 Played three games last year before his ankle injury, and then later a quad kept him out of the side. Is in consideration for midfield and wing rotations with Dunstan, Newnes, Ross, Curren ahead of him and competing with Weller and Saunders, but I think he's every chance to play Rnd1. I think he could score well if not a sub, it's just a question of his price.
Jack Sinclair - $129,400 Rookie listed, tough little inside mid may be a smokey. Picked No1 in the Rookie Draft he turns 20yo next month and played for Port Melbourne last year. Could be elevated early, another one to watch during the preseason games.
Rucks
Jason Holmes - $123,900 Rookie listed long term project, USA basketball background.
Lewis Pierce - $123,900 Third year developing ruckman at 202cm. With Stanley gone he's in line behind Hickey and Longer. Had back problems for the first eight weeks of last year in VFL and the rest of his season was quite ordinary.
Forwards
Paddy McCartin - $222,300 Obviously it will take years to build up to the fitness levels set by Riewoldt. Things won't be expected straight away, but I'm not sure he has the tank for what'll be required by Rnd1. If he does play Rnd1 the asking price is too high anyway as I don't think he'll be a big SC scorer this year. Of course I hope I'm proven wrong.
Eli Templeton - $221,300 Debut last year Rnd1 promising, but a broken arm kept him to six games. Will no doubt play at some stage. He will have moments of brilliance but also lacklustre quarters of just running around. I don't think he'll be worth the investment, as Richardson will move him around a bit and his scores won't be consistent enough to make the quick profit you'll need.
Tim Membrey - $172,000 Grabbed the 20yo from the Swans to play forward, and with Stanley and Maister gone he'll be there Rnd1. The forward line will include Riewoldt and at different times other talls like Bruce, Lee, White and McCartin, so Membrey needs to make his mark. In the NEAFL last year he regularly found the goals, but the knock on his game was his defensive pressure. His price is higher than many other potential fwd rookies this year so there might be better value elsewhere.
Ahmed Saad - $151,100 Rookie listed, but I reckon he's a big chance to be elevated and play Rnd1, despite missing 2014 because of his suspension. Of his 29 games in 2012 and 2013 he wasn't a big possesion winner with SC averages of 60.9 and 46.8 respectively. The club must see something in him to redraft him and when asked about Saad's spot being compromised by the drafting of Jack Lonie, Richardson said "Saad has got more speed and is more of a marking player than Jack.” Encouraging, but maybe not enough..I'm very keen to see how he fits in this year.
Spencer White - $146,200 In his second season, debuted Rnd 22 last year kicking 3 goals. Has 'great athletic ability' but his endurance is a big problem. He played some good games for Sandringham up forward, but didn't chase or work up the ground enough.. and gave away too many (sometimes undisiplined) free kicks. A vacancy is there for him with the departure of Stanley and Maister, but he's been behind Bruce and Lee, and now maybe Membrey, with McCartin lurking. I'd say Richardson would want another look at him at some stage, but he's got a bit of work to do to be in the team Rnd1.
Daniel Markworth - $123,900 Knee reco kept him out for 2013, and a hamstring injury cost him the last half of 2014. He will most likely need to play a few games in the VFL first but Richardson has plans for him,"Daniel has great speed, is a very good mark and will play mostly on the wing and at half-forward". Everything depends on his fitness, but he will be given an opportunity at some stage.
Jack Lonie - $117,300 Injured his ankle which has set him back over preseason but still aiming for the intra club in Feb.
He's being groomed for an Adam Schneider type role and he's got a bit of Steven Milne about him. Has competition for a place in the team and a lot depends on Richardson's small forward setup with Billings and Saad, and whether Markworth, Minchington or McKenzie get gigs. He's another one to be watching in the NAB Cup and I think he has a chance to make his way into the side Rnd1.
Brenton Payne - $102,400 (FWD/MID) Rookie listed, tall forward with a light frame. Won't be playing for a while.