Finishing position 2015: 14th, 6 wins, 15 losses, 1 draw, 78 per cent

Players used: 35

Debutants: Jade Gresham, Lewis Pierce, Brandon White

Delistings: Tom Curren, Luke Delaney, Josh Saunders, Brenton Payne

Outlook for 2017: It's only 18 months ago that leading Fox Footy pundit David King suggested St Kilda wouldn't win a game in the 2015 season. While that suggestion was a bit extreme, it showed just how bleak the short-term outlook appeared for a Saints list that had attempted to top-up between 2007 and 2013, leaving the club with a dearth of players in the middle-aged bracket, and seemingly consigned to a lengthy rebuild.

It's worth considering that predicament when assessing where St Kilda find themselves. Massive ground has been made under Alan Richardson, and had they edged a closely fought Mother's day game against North Melbourne, the Saints would be preparing for their first final in five years. Still there is work to be done. As Richmond and Carlton have shown in recent years, it is one thing to reach the middle rung of the ladder, quite another to become a legitimate premiership challenger.

While the Saints have unearthed some promising young talent, that veterans Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna finished third and fourth respectively in the club's best and fairest should not be overlooked. While Riewoldt – who last week formally relinquished the captaincy – appears ageless, the Saints must be looking ahead to life without their old guard, including Sean Dempster and Sam Fisher, who is in limbo pending the upcoming trade period.

St Kilda now have a very competitive midfield – with Jack Steven among the game's elite on-ballers, and complemented by the vastly improved Seb Ross and workmanlike David Armitage. Blake Acres, Jack Newnes and Luke Dunstan are a more than handy next tier. If Nathan Freeman ever makes it on the field at the top level his speed can be a valuable asset.

Finally free of injuries, Tom Hickey has developed into a terrific ruckman, while the club's motley crew forward line have proved effective, with Tim Membrey and Josh Bruce exceeding expectations since arriving at Seaford. How the Saints fare next year will in part depend on how well they can slot three talls into the side. Hugh Goddard and Paddy McCartin were drafted as bookends for a decade but have had been dealt tough luck with their bodies.

Jake Carlisle remains a wildcard and if he can replicate his best football St Kilda's back line will be bolstered no end. The small forward spot provides intrigue, with Jade Gresham enjoying a fine debut season. He and Darren Minchington have left Jack Sinclair and Jack Lonie on the fringe.

Perhaps most crucially the Saints need to close the gap between their best and worst – the latter of which was frequently dished up interstate, where St Kilda failed to win a game all year. Working on mental deficiencies in this space could be an important task for the new captain.

Meanwhile, Jaeger O'Meara and Adam Tomlinson have both been linked with the club. Watch this space.