After an exhilarating performance against Hawthorn at the MCG, Bradley Hill has been voted this week’s Dare Iced Coffee Sainter of the Round.
Having spent most of his time at the Saints working off the half-backline, the three-time premiership player showcased his versatility on Sunday as he exploded against one of his former sides for his best game in the red, white and black thus far.
Floating up the ground to combat the Hawks’ rebounding defenders, the move proved to be effective, as Hill booted a career-high four goals, also collecting 23 disposals and 445 metres gained.
The ability of the 28-year-old to keep Hawthorn accountable coming out of defence while also hurting them going forward gives Brett Ratten the option of utilising the dash and composure of Hill both off half-back and half-forward.
Second in the votes is Jack Sinclair who tore through the middle of the MCG to grab a career-best 35 touches, as well as eight score involvements and eight intercepts.
One of the key cogs inside St Kilda’s engine room, Sinclair was given all 10 coaches' votes as he operated alongside Jack Steele, Seb Ross and Brad Crouch to produce some strong supply to his forwards going inside 50.
The gut-running Saint has found some strong early-season form, averaging 27 disposals per game, up from his career average of 17.
Jade Gresham rounds out the votes with yet another impressive display in his first season back from an Achilles injury suffered in 2021.
The midfielder/forward has hit the ground running in the early part of 2022, averaging 25 disposals, 11 contested possessions and five inside 50s as well as booting six goals for the year.
Four of these came on Sunday, with the best of the lot coming in the opening term as Gresham slotted a brilliant goal from the boundary to get the Saints started.
It is only the fourth time that the 24-year-old has kicked four or more goals in a game, and the first time he has done so since 2018.