St Kilda’s new defensive guard made an immediate impact in Thursday night’s opening JLT Community Series match, with key defenders Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown getting off to impressive starts in the Saints' one-point win over Port Adelaide.
After making significant improvement at the other end of the ground in 2016, the Saints are aiming to close the gap in defence this season and already appear a better side with the inclusion of two bigger bodies inside defensive 50.
St Kilda Assistant Coach, Adam Kingsley, who oversaw proceedings against the Power at Etihad Stadium, was pleased with how the Saints defended on Thursday night but said there was still work to be done ahead of Round 1.
“The defence was our big opportunity to improve (from last year) and I thought tonight we defended really strongly, particularly when the ball was through the midfield and at our end,” Kingsley said at his post-game press conference.
“We've still got a bit of work to do when the ball is in our defensive 50. I think they had 10 shots through either stoppage or turnover through that area of the ground. We can definitely fix that but I don't think that's going to be a significant issue for us.”
After arriving at Linen House Centre 16 months ago, Carlisle quickly made up for lost time against the Power, hauling in six marks along with 11 possessions in just over 60 minutes of game time.
“Carlisle was really impressive; he was able to nullify his opponent really well. I thought both him and Nathan Brown played terrific games on their key targets,” Kingsley said.
“Jake’s a really versatile player, he can play tall, small; he can lock down on someone; he’s a terrific intercept mark and he uses the ball really well; I thought we saw all aspects of that tonight.”
Kingsley was also impressed by former Collingwood premiership full-back Brown, who instantly plugged a gaping hole in St Kilda’s back six. The 28-year-old manned Port Adelaide
The 28-year-old manned Port Adelaide monster, Charlie Dixon, all night, holding him goalless and to just two marks.
“Nathan’s made a career out of playing on those big guys and he’s certainly a big guy himself so he’s well suited to that role,” he said.
St Kilda will continue their preparations ahead of Round 1 when they face Carlton at Ikon Park next Saturday afternoon.
