The St Kilda Football Club has cemented itself as a trendsetter in the AFL, particularly in running and endurance. When Ross Lyon returned to Moorabbin, one of his first observations was the team’s exceptional running capacity. This wasn’t just coach-speak—data from the 2024 season reveals a remarkable story of physical dominance, potentially reshaping the club’s future.

Breaking Records and Setting Standards

The Saints’ commitment to running excellence is evident in their training methods. While most AFL clubs conduct two 2km time trials in the preseason, St Kilda ups the ante with three. Additionally, the club has adopted an unconventional approach to training, concluding sessions with running drills rather than starting with them—a deliberate strategy to build late-game endurance.

In 2024, St Kilda shattered records. Most notably, they set an all-time AFL high-speed running record against Geelong, averaging 52.1 km/h (defined as movement above 18 km/h). Throughout the season, the Saints appeared in the top 25 records for high-speed running distance five times, highlighting their consistent dominance in this area.

Impressive Season Statistics

The numbers tell a compelling story:

• Total distance covered: Ranked first in 18 games.
• Sprint efforts: Led the competition in 22 games.
• Combined distance and sprint efforts: Dominated in 17 games.
• High-speed distance: Undefeated in every game.
• Repeat sprint efforts: Lost only five times, and by slim margins.

Individual Excellence

Darcy Wilson stood out in his debut season, leading the competition in high-speed distance covered. Over the season, he was outperformed only three times, with nine of his performances ranking in the AFL’s top 25 for all-time high-speed efforts. Remarkably, Wilson now shares the record with Tom Scully, with each player accounting for nine of the top 25 high-speed running achievements in AFL history.

The Evolution of AFL Football

St Kilda’s emphasis on running is no coincidence. Several trends in modern AFL make elite endurance more crucial than ever:

• Rule changes: Open play is favoured by the stand rule and 6-6-6 formations.
• Reduced interchanges: Increased fatigue levels test fitness.
• Tactical shifts: Fast transitions and high-pressure, high-speed gameplay dominate.
• Role evolution: Wingers and half-backs now require elite running capacity.

Strategic Recruitment and Development

St Kilda’s recruitment strategy reflects this focus. Players like Darcy Wilson, Travaglia, Phillipou, Garcia, Brad Hill, Mason Wood, and Ryan Burns all possess exceptional running capabilities. This isn’t coincidental—it’s part of a calculated approach to field a team capable of outrunning and outlasting opponents.

Looking to the Future

While St Kilda’s running dominance hasn’t yet translated into premiership success, it provides a formidable foundation. Their strategy mirrors recent premiership-winning sides like Melbourne (2021), Geelong (2022), and Collingwood (2023), all of whom prioritised elite running in their game plans.

The challenge now lies in pairing this physical superiority with consistent execution. Encouragingly, the Saints closed out 2024 strongly, winning eight of their last 11 games while maintaining their running dominance.

As the AFL evolves, St Kilda’s investment in endurance and speed positions them as a genuine contender. With a clear strategy and purposeful recruitment, the Saints’ running prowess may become a hallmark of AFL’s next era, setting the stage for sustained success.

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