A recent pre-season match simulation between the Gold Coast Suns and St Kilda Saints offered a glimpse of high-profile recruits in action. The game, attended by numerous supporters, also highlighted ongoing speculation surrounding player movements and contract situations for both clubs. While new talent was on display, underlying concerns about list management and player retention appear to persist for some teams.
Background
The pre-season fixture provided an early look at players acquired by the Suns and Saints. For Gold Coast, Christian Petracca and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan were set to debut in team colours. St Kilda, meanwhile, was expected to feature new signings such as Jack Silvagni, Tom De Koning, Liam Ryan, and former Sun Sam Flanders. The match simulation took place at People First Stadium.
Notably, the Gold Coast Suns were reported to be missing several players due to injury, including Brownlow medallist Matt Rowell, Sam Collins, Ben King, Charlie Ballard, Elliott Himmelberg, Jake Rogers, Jai Murray, Max Knobel, Beau Addinsall, Joel Jeffrey, and Caleb Lewis. St Kilda also had a list of absentees, including Brad Hill, Jack Sinclair, Hunter Clark, Max King, Paddy Dow, Dan Butler, Dougal Howard, Liam Henry, Angus Hastie, James Barrat, Alex Dodson, Mason Wood, Patrick Said, Kye Fincher, Kobe McDonald, Liam O’Connell, and Eamonn Armstrong. Some of these players had previously participated in AFL Origin games.
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Player Movement Speculation
The lead-up to and aftermath of the match simulation have been accompanied by reports and rumours regarding player contracts and potential trades.
Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's Future
Reports from September 2025 indicated significant interest from the Gold Coast Suns in Jamarra Ugle-Hagan. One journalist suggested this interest might be a strategic move in preparation for the potential departure of Ben King, who had experienced injury issues and was reportedly being pursued by Melbourne-based clubs. By June 2025, there was also mention of Ugle-Hagan's return to the Western Bulldogs and questions about whether he would play another senior game for the club.
St Kilda's Recruitment and Retention
St Kilda has reportedly been active in the recruitment market. They were understood to have secured free agents Jack Silvagni and Tom De Koning on "lucrative deals." The club has also been linked with other potential recruits like Leek Aleer, Liam Ryan, and Sam Flanders. However, reports from September 2025 also highlighted concerns about player retention, with Callum Wilkie reportedly receiving contract offers exceeding $1 million per season. Marcus Windhager remained unsigned amid rival club interest. Rowan Marshall and Jack Steele were also mentioned as players to watch regarding their contract situations ahead of the trade period.
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On-Field Activity
The match simulation itself involved four 20-minute quarters with time-on, played under conditions exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Gold Coast completed an open training session lasting over two hours prior to the game, drawing a large crowd. One report suggested that the Gold Coast's new recruits were setting high standards, with integration into the club described as positive.
Expert Commentary and Analysis
Commentary surrounding player movements often touches upon list management strategies. One report noted that St Kilda, after a series of underwhelming performances, was facing calls for a significant list overhaul. The club's "multi-million dollar trade splurge" was questioned in terms of its potential to backfire.
Conclusion
The pre-season clash served as a platform for new talent to be showcased by both the Gold Coast Suns and St Kilda Saints. However, the event also occurred within a broader context of player recruitment, contract negotiations, and ongoing speculation about the future of several key players, including Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and St Kilda's core group. The effectiveness of St Kilda's recent recruitment drive and the future composition of both clubs' lists remain subjects of considerable discussion.
Sources
Fox Sports Australia: https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/live-afl-preseason-2026/news-story/08e6163aa349a5b379d52fc73f32396f
Context: Provides live updates and squad details for a pre-season match simulation between Gold Coast Suns and St Kilda Saints.
AFL.com.au: https://www.afl.com.au/news/1461416/gold-coast-suns-couldnt-ask-for-more-as-boom-recruits-christian-petracca-and-jamarra-ugle-hagan-set-new-standards
Context: Focuses on the integration and performance of new recruits Christian Petracca and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan at the Gold Coast Suns.
Context: General article on AFL trade rumours, mentioning player contract situations and past trades.
Sportnation.nz: https://sportnation.nz/article/afl-2025-trade-talk-live-jamarra-ugle-hagan-gold-coast-suns
Context: Reports on rumours surrounding Gold Coast's interest in Jamarra Ugle-Hagan and potential implications for Ben King's future.
AFL.com.au: https://www.afl.com.au/news/1345807/afl-daily-listen-saints-facing-yet-another-rebuild-giant-blow-jamarra-latest
Context: Discusses potential list rebuilds for the Saints and provides an update on Jamarra Ugle-Hagan's situation with the Bulldogs.
Fox Sports Australia: https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2025-western-bulldogs-offer-callum-wilkie-contract-worth-over-1-million-a-season-st-kilda-saints-recruits-jack-silvagni-latest-trade-news/news-story/1ed81ae0639c1b27301faba862ad7b28
Context: Details St Kilda's recruitment activities, contract situations of key players like Callum Wilkie, and rival interest in their players.
Fox Sports Australia: https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl
Context: General AFL news and highlights page, likely containing various articles related to team news, trades, and commentary.
