St Kilda Coach Alan Richardson says the time is right for Seb Ross, Josh Bruce and Dylan Roberton to join the leadership group, with the emerging trio ready to embrace the added responsibility to help drive the club forward.
Ross, Bruce and Roberton are the three inclusions to a new-look eight-man leadership group, which is now led by new skipper, Jarryn Geary, and also includes Jack Steven, David Armitage, Maverick Weller and Jack Newnes, with the latter two entrenching their status as leaders of the club.
Adamant that leadership is a responsibility and not an award, Richardson believes that Ross, Bruce and Roberton will all make a positive contribution from not only a performance but leadership perspective.
“We’re really excited by what we’re going to get out of these boys given that they now have more responsibility,” Richardson told saints.com.au.
“It’s not an award to be a part of the leadership group, it’s a responsibility; you’ve got to make sure that you drive and challenge and put us in a better place. They are made of the right stuff and we look forward to their contribution.
“They’ve been building their careers really positively, they’re guys that are starting to set really good standards out on the training track and they’re performing strongly on game day all in different parts of the ground.”
After reaching the 100-game milestone late last year, versatile defender Roberton has continued to evolve as a leader in line with his football, with Richardson indicating that the former Fremantle backman’s communication was a major asset for the back six.
“Obviously ‘Robbo’ down back with his voice and the way he communicates has been really positive; his footy has continued to improve but so has his ability to make other players better,” Richardson said.
Richardson explained how important Ross is for the Saints’ midfield group, which despite continuing to build depth and experience in there, is still quite young in comparison to some of the best midfields in the competition.
“Sebby through the middle of the ground, with a pretty strong group in there now that are starting to match it with the better midfields,” Richardson said.
“Seb is a really impressive trainer, he leaves no stone unturned, he’s quite challenging on his teammates, which is brilliant and what we need.”
Former Greater Western Sydney key defender Bruce, who has transformed into one of the more exciting young key forwards in the AFL, has continued to impress Richardson and the football department with his desire to get the most out of himself.
“‘Brucey’ obviously joined our footy club coming from another and he’s just been tremendous in the way he’s gone about his footy; he’s earnt the respect of his teammates through his energy and his spirit and his work rate,” Richardson said.
