St Kilda Development Coach and Sandringham Senior Coach Jake Batchelor runs through each AFL-listed player's performance from the Zebras' three-point loss to Geelong.

On the game

It was a good quality game of VFL footy on a good quality ground. We had an even mix of AFL and VFL listed players and we played well, so it was slightly frustrating because we had opportunities to come away with the win, but just didn’t capitalise when we needed to. We had a real team-first focus this week and the lads executed that, looking to be a good teammate and give more than receive. The energy around the group was fantastic, so while it was disappointing to lose, there were some great signs that we are improving as a team.

Jack Bytel

28 disposals, six tackles, five clearances

Jack had another good game for us. His numbers aren’t really wavering week-to-week, which shows how consistent he is. I love coaching him, he’s always so receptive to feedback and works hard in every area. He tackled well and also put up five rebound-50s, which shows he’s getting back and helping out. There were a couple of decisions with ball in hand that we can work on, but it was another step forward for him. He’s putting together some good footy.

Tom Campbell

28 disposals, 34 hitouts, eight marks, six inside-50s, five clearances, two goals

Colossal. It was Tom’s best game for the year, it was the best game of the year from anyone I’ve seen at the VFL level. He didn’t go outside of his role, he just did it really well. He fought hard for us and took some big intercept marks, which was based off his defenders helping him have a free run at the footy. He benefitted from that team-first mentality, but he was just huge for us.

Tom Highmore

22 disposals, five marks

Tommy fought hard for us throughout the day. He performed well both in the air and on the ground. There were areas he can get better at, but his defensive decisions to challenge the opposition was great. He hurt his hand in the second quarter, so we’ll need to assess that.

Ryan Byrnes

15 disposals, six tackles, five clearances, one goal 

Ronnie only played 80 minutes of the game. He started 20 minutes into the first quarter played half the game as a high half-forward and the other half as an inside midfielder. He gave us some good drive around the ball when we put him inside. He’s still learning things around patterns, like holding in the corridor or getting to contests. He looked to take the game forward, and for a bloke that started 20 minutes into the first, he adapted well.

Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera

20 disposals, four marks

Nas probably had his most impactful game for us at the VFL level. He found a good balance of inside and outside ball and connected us well as a winger. He also jumped down as half-back and looked good. It was pleasing to see him adjust to both roles so quickly and understand what was required of him. He set us up with some good attack chains and made some good defensive decisions, so it was a well-rounded game for him.

Dean Kent

21 disposals, six inside-50s, five marks, one goal

Kenty could’ve had a big day, he was putting himself in good positions and looked solid. He impacted the play as a high half-forward, and he looked energetic on his feet on both attack and defence. He had four scoring shots, so he could’ve kicked a bit straighter, but he also gave up a few shots on goal to teammates who were in slightly better positions, which goes to show our team-first mentality that we were focusing on.  It was pleasing to see, it was one of his better performances for the year, role-wise.

Matthew Allison

13 disposals, one goal

It was the best game of the season for Matty. He had a real focus on being the best teammate he possibly could be, just a real commitment to teammates. It really showed, his commitment to them, his celebration of them. It was great to see and it is no surprise that his performance lifted from that as well.

Max Heath

12 disposals, 13 hitouts, one goal

Big Max had a good bounce back. He’s had a bit of an inconsistent month or so with concussion and form, so it was great to see him back impacting the contest. He played like a big man and spent a bit more time in the ruck. It was good to get him around the contest and he had an awesome presence. He was outnumbered a lot of the time but still managed to have an impact and brought the ball to ground. Ideally, we are getting to a point where he isn’t outnumbered and our team attack improves but he performed his role well.

Leo Connolly

15 disposals

Leo just ran, and ran, and ran. He was also on minutes, but his output was awesome. Defensively he needs to be a bit tighter, he would sometimes read the cues too early and his opponent was hit up. Other than that, his contest work was good, and he took the game forward for us.

Darragh Joyce

12 disposals

Stats-wise, Darragh didn’t have a massive game, but his impact was fantastic around the ball. He helped out in the air to help Tommy Campbell mark freely and he tried to play how we want to play. He had his hands full with some big key forwards and had a younger backline than previous weeks, but he had a decent game.

Jarrod Lienert

11 disposals 

Similar to Byrnsey, Lieno came on around the 20-minute mark of the game and didn’t have a massive impact but still made some good decisions for us. He played a mixture of wing and half-back and generally put us in good spots. The ability to use him, as well as Nas, Ronnie and even Matty Allison, as flexible players who can perform in multiple roles is needed for us. When their opportunity comes at the higher level, it is important for them to be able to slot into the role that is needed.

Onto next week: Brisbane at Sandringham

We’ve got the Lions this week, who sit third on the ladder. They’re a good side who put up high scores so it’ll be a good challenge for us to see what we can do. Our defence will need to be spot on, but it is another chance for us to execute our roles and continue to build into next season.