St Kilda relied on too few to get the job done against Essendon on Sunday, and of that few, experienced duo Jack Steven and Jarryn Geary were outstanding, according to Alan Richardson.

A blunt Richardson wasn’t impressed with St Kilda’s performance in his post-match press conference, but praised the efforts of Tim Membrey and Tom Hickey – two players who have taken a significant step forward in 2016.

Stalwart defender Geary was at his game saving best late in the piece, while reigning Trevor Barker Award winner Steven continued his devastating season with a massive 41 possession (22 contested) haul to firm as a Brownlow medal contender.

“We relied a bit too much on too few, that was my message in a nutshell after the game to the players,” Richardson said after St Kilda’s 11-point win on Sunday night.

“Too few had really positive influence on the game, obviously Membrey had a good game - I thought Hickey had a positive game.

“But two guys in particular, Jarryn Geary and Jack Steven, were just outstanding for us all day and probably even stronger for us late.”

 

Despite Shane Savage finishing the game on the bench after a big collision with Essendon key forward Joe Daniher, Richardson said the Saints opted for a cautious approach with the rebounding defender, after he was dazed from the crunching hit.

“He’s fine, the docs just wanted to keep him out of the game, he was a bit dazed after that knock. But my understanding is they’d expect him to play next week,” Richardson said.

“There’s no doubt that our doctors make sure that player welfare is paramount. I don’t even question it. There’s not much we can do about it really, I don’t worry about things I can’t control.”

He's elite #SainterOfTheDay #AFLDonsSaints pic.twitter.com/ltCvGQ0f4K