Jack Sinclair spent his first two years at St Kilda playing as a small forward in the senior team and as an inside midfielder at Sandringham. But in 2017, he found a new home on a wing and thrived on the outside.
After managing just nine senior games last year, it took Sinclair until Round 6 to get back into Alan Richardson’s side. But from there, he never looked back, cementing a spot inside St Kilda’s engine room.
The former rookie played the final 17 games of the year and averaged career highs across the board – disposals (20.8), contested possessions (8.4) uncontested possessions (12.6), tackles (3.3) and inside
After only collecting 20 disposals once before the start of this season, Sinclair reached the mark on 12 occasions this year, setting a new personal best with 28 touches against Richmond at Etihad Stadium in Round 16.
With his balance between speed and endurance, plus his polish by foot and clever decision-making, Sinclair could be a key figure in helping improve St Kilda’s ball movement in the years to come.
Performance of the year:
Round 13 v North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium: 21 disposals, 11 contested possessions, five inside
Alan Richardson's views:
“We’ve used Jack in a variety of roles early in his career but we think we’ve found a more permanent spot for him on a wing,” Richardson said.
“Jack’s move to a wing came about on the back of the condition he returned in at the start of the pre-season.
“He made a statement through his running and showed attributes that he could be more than just an opportunistic, clever forward.
“He’s now one of the better runners
“As a coach, I’m so comfortable when Jack has the ball in his hands because he makes good decisions whether it’s a simple kick or a more difficult option.
“We think Jack is heading the right way really quickly on the back of his work rate and determination to improve.”
The numbers:
Games: 17
Disposals: 20.8
Uncontested possessions: 12.6
Score involvements: 6.0
Tackles: 3.3
Inside
