Geelong scalp adds some polish

A fortnight after producing their best four-quarter performance of the year, Alan Richardson’s side took their biggest scalp in his time at the helm. On the back of the three-point win over the Cats, the underwhelming effort on Adelaide Oval at the start of the month seems like a long time ago now. Bitterly disappointing losses against Adelaide in Adelaide and West Coast in Perth took the shine off an otherwise impressive start to 2016. But Saturday night’s win over flag favourites Geelong dragged the chamois out from underneath the sink and added some polish to St Kilda’s season to date. As the coach said in his post-mortem, the focus now shifts to producing that consistency of effort and intent across the final nine games of the home and away season. And with consecutive wins secured, the Saints now have an opportunity to win three on the trot for the first time under Richardson’s watch.

Take a bow, Mr Ross

It’s official, Seb Ross is not only one of the most improved players at St Kilda, he is one of the most improved players in the game this season. With another haul of 33 possessions – the sixth time he has had 30 or more this year – Ross continued his emergence against the most potent midfield in the game. In his 50^th game, Ross spent plenty of time opposed to Brownlow medal favourite Patrick Dangerfield. And while the prized recruit still had it 29 times, his damage was substantially restricted. Ross didn’t allow him to accumulate mileage like he has done all year, nor did he allow him the space to open the game up by foot or put the ball inside 50. It was a stunning defensive, offensive game from the unassuming Saint in what was perhaps his finest hour.

Richardson thrilled with ability to respond when challenged

On a night where St Kilda kept the ladder leaders at arms distance across the first half, through high intensity pressure and a large appetite for the contest, the Saints’ ability to respond when repeatedly challenge was what impressed Alan Richardson most. Geelong sprung to life in the third quarter, booting three quick goals inside the first eight minutes, before finishing with six for the quarter. With decorated stars and a wealth of experience on every line, there was a sense that the Cats were going to pinch the win in the final quarter. But the Saints had other ideas. Tight losses to reigning premier Hawthorn and North Melbourne earlier in the year served as reminders of wasted chances. So with Geelong seemingly in control, mercurial goals from Jade Gresham and Jack Steven late steered St Kilda to an epic victory, both on the scoreboard and in the belief stakes. Time will tell how valuable that win will be for this young group.

Is there a Rising Star nomination waiting for Gresham?

While a handful of others have dominated discussion for this year’s Rising Star prize, Jade Gresham has quietly stacked up dependable performances. The teenager has played 10 of 13 games, including the last eight, becoming an important part of St Kilda’s front half make-up. On Saturday night, against the most experienced back six in the caper, Gresham produced the most impressive performance of his career to date. He had it 16 times and didn’t waste many of his touches, going at an elite 88 per cent. Half of his disposals were also inside 50s and he was involved in seven scoring chains. While those who have earned nominations this year play predominantly in the midfield, Gresham spends the majority of his time up forward, limiting his ability to acquire big numbers. His time will come in the guts, but for now he is performing his role with aplomb. And perhaps, a Rising Star nomination will come his way this week. After all, his polished performance was against the very best.

Weller shows why he is so highly rated as a leader

Mav Weller’s effort on Saturday night epitomised the Saints performance. His attack on the ball and his desperation to win the contest was infectious. In a performance that screamed leadership, Weller demonstrated why he is so important to St Kilda’s forward line. Having spent time down back at the Gold Coast Suns and through the midfield at the Saints, Weller is carving out a niche as a defensive forward. The 24-year-old accrued another high pressure rating, recording 36.6 points (No. 4 at St Kilda), to go with 19 possessions at 90 per cent, six tackles and two important goals. As Alan Richardson alluded to post-game, it might have been the best of his 49 games in red, white and black. 

Limited Edition History Book: Celebrating 50 Years 1966-2016 The Archives Edition