Wingman Jack Newnes says he felt like the Saints were in control for most of Easter Sunday’s 14-point win over Collingwood at Etihad Stadium, after St Kilda evened the ledger at 2-2 after the first month of 2017.
Despite losing the clearances (-18) and contested ball (-14) counts, St Kilda comfortably won the inside 50s (+16), tackles (+31) and possession (+27) counts.
Newnes was one of Alan Richardson's key contributors under the roof at Etihad Stadium, finishing with 32 disposals, seven marks, seven rebound 50s, five inside 50s and 765 metres gained - the most of any player in Round 4.
“It felt like we were on top of them for the whole game,” Newnes told saints.com.au after St Kilda’s win on Easter Sunday.
Monday Wash-Up: Round 4 v Collingwood
“We missed a few goals, lots of turnovers but in all the stats we were on top of them.
“It was good to grind out a win and when they came at us late we put a different structure into play and we held on.”
Newnes praised the performance by his housemate, Seb Ross, after the emerging midfielder faced off against Collingwood star Adam Treloar and helped lead the Saints to victory.
Ross, 23, gathered a team-high 36 possessions (12 contested), seven inside 50s, seven marks and five clearances in one of the most complete performances of his career to date.
“I think Sebby had a pretty big role; he went head to head with Treloar and I think he got on top in that one,” Newnes said.
“I guess it probably works for him if he’s got some to go head to head with and then hurt them the other way.
“Our whole midfield in general was really strong today we thought they had a lot of pressure but we held on and used the ball well.”
