St Kilda may not be kicking straight just yet, but Saints Coach Alan Richardson is pleased with his sides method in the front half.
After registering the second most scoring shots across the last fortnight, the Saints kicked 9.15 to Collingwood’s 7.13 to win a scrappy affair at Etihad Stadium on Easter Sunday.
Despite being convincingly beaten at the stoppages 40-22, St Kilda generated 16 more inside 50s to draw praise from Richardson after the 14-point win.
“It’s pleasing for a couple of weeks in a row to win when you’re not at your best,” Richardson told reporters at his post-match press conference on Sunday night.
“Our ability to be able to convert some of our hard work continues to be a real opportunity for us.
“Given we got beaten pretty badly in the end at clearance, but to win the entries – 66-50 I think it was in the end – that was really positive. I thought our method stood up.”
Richardson lauded the work of his evolving back six, led by new key defenders Nathan Brown – who faced his old side for the first time – and Jake Carlisle, as well as the cavalry of Dylan Roberton (32 disposals), Jimmy Webster (25 disposals) and the ever reliable Jarryn Geary.
“I thought our defence was really positive; Carlisle’s been really strong for us for a couple of weeks; I thought 'Browny' had a really good game; Geary and Webster were outstanding for us in terms of being able to defend and give us some rebound; so there’s a lot of positives,” Richardson said.
Debutant Ben Long showed glimpses of his ferocious chasing and pressure game as well as his sharp lateral movement in an encouraging start by the 19-year-old.
“He did his bit, he cracked in when it was time, he put pressure on when it was time; he’s got some real attributes.
We think he’s going to be a beauty for us in front of the ball with his aggression and his ability to be able to turn nothing into something.
“It’s really pleasing for a young player to come into the side and have a win. His parents flew down from Darwin for the game so it’s really exciting for him and exciting for the footy club.”
After two wins in a row, St Kilda balances their season at 2-2 ahead of a blockbuster clash with Geelong at Etihad Stadium next Sunday afternoon.
