This is how midfield coach Adam Kingsley assessed the seasons of his on-ball brigade.
Blake Acres
Blake showed some really positive signs this year. His game is still a work in progress, but we saw on numerous occasions that his athletic capabilities are pretty special. A couple of injuries made it difficult for him to get consistency, but with a full pre-season I’m confident he will gain the continuity he needs to further establish himself as a regular AFL player.
Tom Curren
Tom was in and out of the side early in the year before breaking his leg and missing the second half of the season. He came back for the VFL semi-final and preliminary final and acquitted himself well. He is a selfless player who works exceptionally hard at his game.
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Luke Dunstan
Luke had a solid season without setting the world on fire. His inside work was valuable and he also kicked some important goals at various times. The challenge for Luke is to continue to work on his outside running game and skills. He’s played 35 games now and will only get better as he matures.
Quick 60: Luke Dunstan
VIDEO: At home with Luke
Daniel Markworth
Daniel had a frustrating year due to a shoulder injury sustained in pre-season. He worked hard to get himself fit and played an important role in the VFL. Injuries have plagued him over the past few years and I wish him all the best for the future. He’s a quality young man.
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Farren Ray
Farren had hamstring surgery on the eve of the season and didn’t return until about round 10. He played his 200th game against the Bulldogs a few weeks later and was an important link player for us when called up. His experience was valuable, especially for our young midfielders.
FEATURE: Ray hits 200 farren height
Schneiderman: Farren Ray
Daniel McKenzie
Daniel had a promising first season of AFL footy. On a number of occasions he demonstrated terrific courage and bravery – often going back with the flight of the ball or diving head first into a contest. His desire to compete was clear, although his light frame probably wasn’t suited to this style of play. A full pre-season in the gym will only make him better and I look forward to seeing what he can produce as an elusive and courageous wingman in 2016.
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Leigh Montagna
After a slow start due to injury, Leigh had a very good season. As the most experienced member of our midfield group, his leadership and direction was invaluable and it was also good to see him continue to get plenty of the ball. He really embraced the style of game we are trying to play and in many ways was like an on-field assistant coach.
Schneiderman: Leigh Montagna
Jack Newnes
Jack had a solid season and was one of just three Saints to play every game. He continues to improve all aspects of his game. Added to our leadership group this season, he leads the way playing predominantly wing but can also help down back when required. He is an outstanding athlete who will be looking to add more possessions to his game next season.
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Seb Ross
Seb did not play until about round 10 because of a bad hamstring injury, but when he returned he was very impressive. As a strong bodied inside midfielder, Seb was fierce in the clinches and also collected a bit of the ball as well. He has great potential to be a really important ball-winning midfielder for us if he can play a full season of footy without injury.
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Jack Steven
Jack was a worthy best and fairest winner. He played every game and was our best all-round midfielder. His inside work complemented his exciting outside run, and his follow-up clearance play against Melbourne in round 11 was a key reason why we won the game. We will continue to push Jack hard over the summer and there is no reason why he can’t get even better, with his foot skills perhaps the only area of his game that requires some attention. It was great to see Jack return from an injury riddled 2014 and perform so strongly this year.
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David Armitage
David had an outstanding season. He got super fit over the summer, shed some muscle and led by example all year. When Lenny Hayes retired, someone was going to have to step up and for Armo to do so the way he did was really pleasing. His 45 possessions against the Bulldogs willed us over the line and it was just one example of a game in which he dominated at stoppage and around the ground.
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Schneiderman: David Armitage
Armo's Challenge: Reverse parkingDavid Armitage attempts reverse parking with Billy Longer in this week's episode of Armo's Challenge.#ArmosChallengeGoPro #GoProAU
Posted by St Kilda Football Club on Thursday, 27 August 2015