Sturt coach Rick Macgowan's list of problems grew exponentially yesterday. 

On the eve of being knocked out of the 2008 finals series by a firing Glenelg, Macgowan could only look to next year for a glimmer of hope.

Yet he will possibly be staring down the barrel of a pre-season minus some of his hardened soldiers who have been instrumental in Sturt's success this year.

No retirements are official but captain Ben Nelson, ruckman Simon Feast and wingman Daniel Wicks would all be seriously considering their future in the SANFL after many tough years on the track and a disappointing close to a promising season.

"I haven't spoken to them but that's the least of my problems," Macgowan said of any possible retirements.

Onballer Nelson, 31, has captained Sturt for five years, sharing the duty with Jade Sheedy for the past two. Winning the best and fairest medal in 2003, Nelson has been a solid contributor for the team over his 175 games.

Feast, 33, is a dual club best and fairest winner, taking home the award in 1995 and '98. He has dominated the ruck competition for the Double Blues throughout the year but was sidelined for weeks with a knee injury.

Power-listed Fabian Deluca had to step up as Feast's replacement but the absence of height around the ground was noticeable.

Wicks has played 123 games with the club. The other possible retiree is vice-captain Andrew Whiteman, who at age 30 (same as Wicks), has struggled all year with ongoing back injuries.

On looking to the future, Macgowan said recruiting would be important but not critical for Sturt to be able to capitalise on its opportunities. He said there was a bevvy of talent to pick from in the reserves and junior grade lists, so he would be looking close to home first and foremost.

"We've got plenty of depth in reserves and under age teams. We'll be recruiting like every club but we won't get too carried away. We need to find a real hardness if we're going to win that contested ball, that's the key to it. We need to find more of those. (Today) we were uncompetitive in 50-50 contests."

Whether or not Sturt can take control of that deficiency by the start of next year will determine its chances in 2009. Even without some of the more experienced players such as Nelson, the club has the potential to dominate again in the minor round.

Macgowan has groomed the younger and second-tier players this year such as Craig Evans and Nick Wark in readiness for a tough competition in the next few years.

"I think we will be around the mark for the next five years," he said.

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