A coaching reshuffle, contract extensions for several key players, weddings, travel and a fresh logo made for a busy off-season at AAMI Park. Here's what you might have missed.
Storm sign five for the future
October 5
Several key players signed contract extensions during the break and it kicked off with the re-signing of five players early in October; Nelson Asofa-Solomona (until the end of 2023), Jahrome Hughes (2021), Scott Drinkwater, Justin Olam and Kayleb Milne (2020).
Football department restructure
October 5
Assistant coach Jason Ryles was promoted to Senior Assistant Coach, while development coach Marc Brentnall was promoted to Assistant Coach.
Aaron Bellamy was re-appointed as one of two development coaches, joined by retired premiership player Ryan Hinchcliffe – stepping in to the role after three years with Super League club Huddersfield Giants.
All four coaches signed for three years, in line with the contract Head Coach Craig Bellamy signed in June.
Slater joins the Saints
October 11
Retired Storm legend Billy Slater joined the St Kilda Football Club in a leadership role. He will share his wisdom with the Saints playing group to develop the club's next generation of leaders.
He will continue to don the purple in a similar leadership role.
Launch into new era
October 17
The club unveiled a new logo ahead of the 2019 season – a natural evolution of last year's 20-year brandmark.
Featuring the club's trademark purple - now accompanied by navy and grey - the iconic Storm Man and lightning bolt remain.
The fresh logo will feature on this year's apparel and at Storm's AAMI Park headquarters.
Two weddings and an engagement
October 28
Dale Finucane married his partner Maddelyn in late October, describing his wedding as the "most special" day of his life, while in early November Patrick Kaufusi married his partner Amy in Cairns.
Meanwhile, Cheyse Blair proposed to his partner Tammy during a sunny holiday in Bali.
Munster commits until 2023
November 29
Cameron Munster inked a four-year deal that will see him in Storm colours until the end of the 2023 season.
One of the most exciting five-eighths in the game, the young playmaker is due to reach his 100-game milestone this year.
No quitters on annual pre-season camp
December 19
Hardened players returned from a brutal two days at the club's annual pre-Christmas camp.
A rite of passage for the club's first grade players, the group completed gruelling challenges on minimal sleep.
Mid-season recruit and former Penrith Panther Tom Eisenhuth was named Man of the Camp.
Rest and relaxation
It wasn't all gruelling training regimes during the off-season, with a number of players travelling interstate and overseas for some well-deserved R and R.
Jahrome Hughes relaxed in Bali, Sam Kasiano enjoyed a family holiday in Phillip Island and Brandon Smith travelled to New Zealand.
