What to expect
ST KILDA will have their newfound belief put to the ultimate test this week as they face Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Fresh off their winning efforts over the Brisbane Lions after finding themselves almost five goals down at quarter time, and an even more impressive come-from-behind performance against the Western Bulldogs in Round 6, the Saints have built a firm belief that they can fight their way back into any contest, no matter the deficit.
Coach Alan Richardson praised his side for their ability to turn the game around, but acknowledged their slow starts were not something the Saints were content with.
“It’s frustrating and disappointing that we get ourselves into those positions where we need such a response,” Richardson said after the win over the Lions.
“But the group certainly has got a bit of spirit.
“We’ve actually done a bit of that (coming from behind) this year, even (in) games that we haven’t won, and it’s a positive.”
Richardson pointed to the battle in the midfield for explanation as to why the Saints are having to claw their way back from early deficits.
“It is a common theme in that we’re getting beaten in the stoppage and beaten in contested footy,” he said.
“More often than not it’s about getting your hands dirty and putting your head in the hole and winning the footy.”
And while the Saints were able to turn it around in the middle against the Lions, winning the clearances (44-34), inside 50s (57-44) and contested possession count (136-129), Richardson warned it’s not a sustainable way to win games of football – particularly against the reigning premiers.
“Three quarters of strong footy got the job done today – it’s a fair chance more often than not it won’t,” he said.
Players to watch
Nick Riewoldt was back to his best against the Lions, kicking four goals and grabbing a game-high 10 marks, and is set to pose just as big a threat against the Hawks.
“He’s a fantastic player, he’s a great leader. He’s played three full games this year and we’ve won three of them,” Richardson said, lauding his captain’s performance.
“I didn’t think we were going to score in the first quarter if not for him.
“He’s very important in front of the ball but he’s probably more important in terms of connecting the back to the front and that’s certainly what he gives us.”
Midfielder David Armitage also continued his career-best form, racking up 31 disposals including 11 clearances.
He was the leading contested possession winner on the ground with 17.
Commend by his coach for his hard work and aggression around the ball, Armitage will be crucial in the all-important midfield battle against the likes of Sam Mitchell, Luke Hodge and Jordan Lewis.
Potential Changes
St Kilda will be without midfielder Maverick Weller after he accepted a one-game suspension for striking, while defender Daniel McKenzie will have to pass a variety of tests after suffering concussion in the win over the Lions.
On the comeback from a hamstring injury, Farren Ray was named among VFL side Sandringham’s best after gathering 25 disposals and looms as a possible inclusion.
Josh Saunders was also an impressive performer for Sandringham with four goals and 25 possessions of his own, while Seb Ross and Sam Gilbert also made successful returns from injury.
