What Is 2009 St Kilda Football Club season

Overview

The 2009 St Kilda Football Club season was one of the most dominant and memorable in AFL history, marked by an extraordinary start and a heartbreaking finish. Coached by Ross Lyon and captained by Nick Riewoldt, the Saints played with disciplined defense and relentless pressure, finishing atop the ladder after the minor round.

The team's consistency throughout the season captured national attention, as they won their first 14 matches—a club record. Despite falling short in the ultimate goal, the season remains a landmark in St Kilda’s history due to its near-perfect execution and dramatic conclusion.

• 20–2 record: St Kilda achieved the best home-and-away season in club history, winning 20 of 22 matches and earning 80 premiership points.
• Minor premiership: The Saints claimed the McClelland Trophy for finishing first after Round 22, their first since 1997.
• First 14 wins: They became only the third team in VFL/AFL history to win their first 14 games of a season, joining Collingwood (1929) and Sydney (2003).
• Defensive strength: St Kilda conceded the fewest points in the league, averaging just 69.6 points per game during the regular season.
• Key players:Robert Harvey played his final season, while Justin Koschitzke and Adam Schneider provided crucial midfield and defensive stability.

Grand Final Campaign

The Saints’ journey to the 2009 AFL Grand Final was defined by resilience and tactical precision under pressure. After dominating the regular season, they faced their greatest challenge in the finals series, culminating in a historic showdown.

• Qualifying Final: St Kilda defeated Western Bulldogs by 18 points at Etihad Stadium in front of 44,087 fans.
• Semi-Final: They overcame Collingwood by 13 points in a tense contest at the MCG, advancing directly to the Preliminary Final.
• Preliminary Final: The Saints beat Fremantle10.10 (70) to 7.9 (51), securing their first Grand Final appearance since 1997.
• Grand Final draw: On September 26, 2009, St Kilda and Geelong tied 12.12 (84) in front of 99,251 spectators—the first drawn Grand Final since 1977.
• Grand Final replay: The following week, Geelong won 12.13 (85) to 9.10 (64), ending St Kilda’s premiership hopes by 12 points.
• Finals attendance: The two Grand Final matches drew a combined crowd of over 198,000, setting a record for a single finals series.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2009 season is often compared to other near-miss campaigns in AFL history. The table below highlights key performance metrics against notable runner-up seasons.

While St Kilda’s 20 wins were unmatched among non-premiership teams, their inability to convert dominance into a flag remains a point of discussion. The 2009 season stands out for its near-flawless regular season but ultimate finals disappointment, a rare duality in modern AFL.

Why It Matters

The 2009 campaign had a lasting impact on St Kilda’s identity and the broader AFL narrative about consistency versus finals performance. Despite the loss, the season elevated the club’s profile and inspired future generations of players and fans.

• Cultural shift: Ross Lyon’s defensive system redefined St Kilda’s playing style, emphasizing structure over flair and influencing other clubs.
• Player legacy: Robert Harvey’s final season and Riewoldt’s leadership cemented their status as club legends.
• Fan engagement: Membership surged past 30,000 for the first time, reflecting renewed interest.
• Media attention: The drawn Grand Final received unprecedented coverage, boosting AFL’s national profile.
• Historical significance: The season is frequently cited in debates about the greatest non-premiership teams in AFL history.
• Inspiration: Young players at the club, including Jack Steven and Jason Gram, gained invaluable finals experience.

The 2009 St Kilda season remains a symbol of excellence narrowly missed. It showcased what a disciplined, cohesive team could achieve—even if the ultimate prize slipped away.