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  2003 2004 2005 2006

Saints face cap squeeze
The rapid rise of St Kilda and its emerging superstar Nick Riewoldt has forced it into a salary-cap squeeze, with both Riewoldt and the club's next most feted young star, Luke Ball, facing contract renegotiations. Having risen to within a kick of a grand final, the Saints are confronting the type of salary-cap pressures that bedevilled the Brisbane Lions and Essendon before them. The club will meet the management of its two most prized youngsters this week, keen to follow the Lions' lead in emphasising team success over personal financial gain. The Saints are facing a crucial next few days when they determine the shape of their list for 2005 - including the futures of veterans Andrew Thompson and Justin Peckett - and meet the management of Riewoldt and Ball to discuss new contracts. Robert Harvey is considered certain to play on in 2005. The future of Heath Black, who sought to be traded to Fremantle last year for family reasons, is also likely to be determined at a meeting between his manager and St Kilda coach Grant Thomas.
The Article - Jake Niall - TheAge - 22Sept04

Saints go shopping
A ruckman and key defenders will be the priorities on St Kilda's shopping list for next year. Coach Grant Thomas said he would look at all available players and make necessary trades to ensure the Saints took the next step. "We need to strengthen our defence. We've got some good power forwards and a pretty good midfield," Thomas said. "We need to bolster other areas and there's opportunities to do some trades and get some good young players into the club . . . We need a rucking option. We'll look at all options of who's the best player. If there's a ruckman out there that fits into what we're about then obviously we'll look at him."
The Article - Jackie Epstein - HeraldSun - 19Sept04