goals to the Sydney Swans (50 points), the Western Bulldogs (40 points) and the Adelaide Crows (57 points), coupled with late season losses to Melbourne and Richmond, St Kilda's finals chances were dismissed, eventually leading to the Saints finishing the season at 11th place on the ladder with 11 wins and 11 losses. 2017 also ended with the retirements of club greats Nick Riewoldt (336 games), Leigh Montagna (282 games) and Sean Dempster (222 games for Sydney and St Kilda). The 2018 season saw a drastic fall in the club's form, as the Saints tumbled to 16th place on the ladder with four wins and a draw. Increased scrutiny on Richardson as coach saw the club bring experienced assistants Brett Ratten and Brendon Lade to Moorabbin, along with NRL legend Billy Slater in a leadership role. While 2019 started brightly with four wins from the first five games, the Saints eventually suffered a similar dip in form to the previous year, losing 9 of the next 11 matches. After being advised that his contract would not be renewed for 2020, coach Alan Richardson resigned from his position as senior coach. Ratten took over as caretaker coach and, after winning three of the season's last six games, was appointed permanent senior coach in September 2019. Brett Ratten era: 2019–present Despite the coaching change, the Saints ended the 2019 season positively with four high-profile players requesting a trade to the Saints and many discussions held with other players looking to move. During the trade period St Kilda traded a number of picks and acquired Port Adelaide's Dougal Howard and Paddy Ryder, Fremantle's Bradley Hill, Zak Jones from Sydney and Richmond's Dan Butler. Jack Steven, Josh Bruce and Blake Acres were traded to Geelong, Western Bulldogs and Fremantle respectively. The Saints also added to their football department with former player Sean Dempster joining as a fitness coach, while former Hawthorn legend Jarryd Roughead as well as David Rath and Ben Robbins also moved to the club. In the reduced 2020 season, the Saints managed 10 of a possible 17 wins to qualify for their first finals series since 2011. References External links St Kilda Football Club 1873 establishments in Australia St Kilda Football Club