Sandringham coach Aaron Hamill spoke to saints.com.au about which Saints impressed following the Zebras’ nail-biting two-point win over Frankston at RSEA Park.
David Armitage
26 disposals, 10 tackles, seven clearances, one goal
“He was outstanding again, Armo. Clearly his leadership is first-class and his effort and ability to execute under pressure was outstanding for us. I thought him and Luke Dunstan were significant for us and had a heavy influence on the game.”
Nathan Brown
21 disposals, six marks, six tackles
“It’s always hard to measure leadership and I guess what Browny’s able to bring in terms of that was solid. He soldiered on well for us and his ability to come forward and influence was very good for us. He’s a professional footballer, he knows the drill, he’s played nearly 200 games and he’s a premiership player, so he understands the system [after being omitted] and he understands what he needs to do to get back into the AFL squad. He’s a team man, he’s a selfless person and he’s made of the right stuff.”
Nick Coffield
17 disposals, three marks, one goal
“I thought Nick played one of his better games. Was strong for us down back under a heavy tag, so he fought through that really well. His wing positioning was really good when we threw him up there and I thought he played the right way today. He gave us good composure and he put his head over it when he had to.”
Luke Dunstan
33 disposals, six tackles, 22 kicks, one goal
“I’ve been really impressed with Luke. His opportunity at AFL level will come. He’s a very consistent performer, he’s tough and strong, he’s got really good composure and he’s very good offensively and defensively. So he just needs an opportunity, but I thought he performed really well for us.”
Nick Hind
30 disposals, 17 kicks, five marks
“Very much like Coff, they’re hard to keep down because of their speed and nous of the game, but I thought Hindy was solid for us down back. Racked up quite a bit of footy again, particularly in the last quarter, which was really pleasing for us.”
Billy Longer
52 hit-outs, seven tackles, six disposals
“Billy was good for us, 52 hit-outs is pleasing, but of course it’s as you’d expect. He battled on well all day and represented us down the line strongly.”
Ed Phillips
25 disposals, eight marks, 17 kicks
“Ed played along half-back a little bit as well as on the wing. We’re just trying to add different paths to Ed’s game and he contributed really well for us.”
Bailey Rice
15 disposals, two goals, five marks, six tackles
“I thought Ricey was one of our better players, no doubt about that. His contest work was outstanding and he provided really solid support for us in the air and on the deck. He’s trusted in the contest and he got on the end and kicked a couple, and on the whole he contributed really strongly for us. He didn’t get outmarked but where he could, he showed really good composure when it mattered which was on the deck in contest, so I was rapt with Ricey’s game.”
Sam Rowe
12 disposals, two goals, 14 hit-outs
“I think Sam provided contest well, getting to 30-odd contests is not easy, but he kept getting to the ball. Didn’t quite complete it at times, but his work rate was very good for us.”
Brandon White
15 disposals, 12 kicks, four marks
“White was significant again and helped out Browny down back. He’s had an outstanding block, he’s putting his hand up strongly for us and if he keeps doing that, he’ll get his opportunity soon. On the whole, I thought he was one of our better defenders.”
Robbie Young
10 disposals, 10 kicks, five tackles
“Robbie’s showing good footy nous at times with his positioning, so we like where he’s going. He didn’t quite get on the scoreboard but had five tackles, played a little bit through the midfield and put together some good forward play.”
