Mick McGuane expecting a 'daring' game style to be unlocked by Ross Lyon at St Kilda in 2026

A stellar off-season recruitment drive by St Kilda has caught the attention of one of the game's greats, leaving many intrigued by the club's potential in 2026.

The Saints fell short of expectations last year, winning just nine of their 23 games — five of which were decided by single-figure margins. While that result left them 12th on the ladder, it also marked the Saints' equal-worst win rate since 2018.

Despite the slump, the club took several bold risks during the trade period and certainly did not shy away from aggressive spending.

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The likes of Tom De Koning, Jack Silvagni, Sam Flander and Liam Ryan are among the high-profile recruits joining the fold, while star youngster Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera cemented his future as the league's first $2 million-a-year player by signing a record-breaking extension.

Ross Lyon's men are far from flag favourites, sitting outside the top five in current premiership betting.

However, Collingwood great Mick McGuane believes Lyon is poised to unlock the best from his key stars.

"While Ross has historically been a defence over attack philosophical coach, I reckon he is making the adjustment to align himself with the way the game has to be played today," he told 3AW's Wide World of Sports.

"He has recruited the right personnel. He needed to change his midfield dynamic, and Wanganeen-Milera has to be a constant throughout that part of the ground.

"Of course, he is going to get some scrutiny because that is what good players get, but the recruitment of Flanders means (Jack) Sinclair can go through there, and Mitch Owens is a big body, too.

"It is going to change the dynamic, and when you complement that with a forward ruckman in (Rowan) Marshall and a ruck-forward in De Koning, plus you have Max King coming into the mix... I just think they are going to play fast and play a daring game of footy that will be exciting to watch."

Unlike in previous years, McGuane noted that the talent pool Lyon now commands allows him to tailor his system to bring out the best in his key talent.

"They finally have the players where you can say, 'We are going to tailor the style of play around what we've got'," he added.

"That is what good coaches do; they make the necessary adjustments with the personnel they've got."

Host Jimmy Bartel agreed, noting he is particularly intrigued by the crop of junior talent developing under Lyon.

"I'm buying some early stock on the Saints this year," he said.

"Not only on the key players they have, but I also like the group of young guys they are bringing along as well."

St Kilda kicks off its 2026 season in Opening Round on Sunday, March 8, against Collingwood.