Sam the Saint - Flanders set for Moorabbin

St Kilda Football Club is excited to confirm the arrival of Sam Flanders, with the powerful mid-forward making the move to RSEA Park following a trade with Gold Coast.

In return for Flanders’ services, St Kilda parted with pick No.7 in this year’s National Draft.

The 24-year-old was taken with pick No.11 in the 2019 AFL Draft and has played 89 games for the Suns. After a breakout season in 2023, he established himself as a hard-running, contested ball-winner capable of impacting both in the middle and inside 50.

“Joining St Kilda feels like the right move at the right time,” Flanders said.

“This group has shown it’s ready to take the next step and I’m eager to grow with them. I’m confident the Saints’ environment will bring out the best in me as both a player and a person.

“St Kilda fans are incredibly passionate and loyal. I want to be part of the group that brings them the ultimate reward and success.

“Gold Coast will always be important to me as the place where I started my AFL journey and grew so much, but I’m fired up for what’s ahead in the red, white and black.”

St Kilda Head of Talent and Acquisition Graeme Allan said Flanders’ addition was a major boost to the Saints’ engine room.

“Sam brings a real competitive edge,” Allan said.

“He’s shown he can win the ball, work both ways and impact the scoreboard, and we believe he’s only just beginning to tap into his potential.

“Importantly, he sits right in the age and experience bracket we’ve been looking to bolster. He’s already proven at AFL level but still has plenty of growth ahead of him, which makes him a perfect fit for where our list is at.

“He was a valued part of Gold Coast’s side, so to have him choose St Kilda speaks volumes about the direction we’re heading. Our members should be excited - Sam’s hunger to compete and grow fits perfectly with what we’re building.”

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