Callum Wilkie is adamant the Saints can return to their early-season form with a few “little fixes” as a refreshed playing group looks to attack the second half of the season.
The Saints entered the bye with a 7-4 record after a stinging loss to Hawthorn in Round 11, which left a “sour taste” in the vice-captain’s mouth during the club’s week-long break.
But despite the on-field lull approaching the midpoint of the season, Wilkie believes it’s just a blip on the radar as a chance to bounce back against Sydney looms this Thursday night.
“Our effort had tapered off. We have probably played some inconsistent footy in the last month or so,” Wilkie told reporters at this morning’s conference.
“Our attack on the ball and the pressure wasn’t there (against Hawthorn) and our compliance to structure wasn’t either.
“It was a good reminder coming into this week and seeing how poor our effort was. We reviewed it and are keen to come out strongly against Sydney this week.
“We’re training hard, reviewing strongly and we know there are some little fixes that we need to do to get back to our way.
St Kilda will kick off its post-bye run heading into Thursday’s match against Sydney at the SCG; its first of four interstate matches post-bye.
The Saints will be hopeful of regaining Mitch Owens from concussion, however will be without Hunter Clark for the next four to six weeks with a high-end medial sprain.
Owens has been a particular highlight for the red, white and black this season, booting 13 goals from his 10 appearances.
“He’s feeling good. There were no sort of residual effects from the concussion and he’s just eager to get back out there,” Wilkie said on Owens.
“We’ve probably missed him a little bit. It’s hard to say that we’re missing a 20-year-old with how much spark and energy and effort he brings, but the boys love playing with him.
“We know what he’s going to bring in, week out so we’re keen for him to come back into the side and see what he’s got.”
Wilkie will likely have his plate full as a potential match-up against 350-gamer Lance Franklin beckons.
The No. 44 got the chocolates over the 1000-goal powerhouse in 2021 to keep him to just five touches, but Franklin has had a strong track record in his major milestones which have all been against the Saints.
"I played in his 300th - lucky I didn't get the job that day," Wilkie said.
"It's almost games you look back on and you're happy you were part of those milestones. He’s such a champion player.
"I've been lucky enough to play on him a few times and you're always in a bit of awe who you're standing (next to) and what he's done for the game.
"It will be a special night."
