Running machine Ed Phillips has put together one of the best debut performances Saints fans have seen in recent years.
The 20-year-old amassed 24 touches, the most of any Saint on debut for 25 years, including seven contested possessions, operating at a 79% disposal efficiency rating.
WATCH: Ed makes his debut
Add five tackles to that performance, and the Saints’ third-highest possession winner on the night would be unlucky to lose the senior spot he’s so patiently waited for.
On what was ultimately a frustrating night for St Kilda, the wingman oozed class and composure with ball in hand.
After a debilitatingly slow start, St Kilda came into the main break posting their lowest score for the year at 1.5 (11).
And it would get even worse before things got better.
Lachie Neale’s goal to start the third term had the Saints staring down the barrel of a 43-point deficit.
But suddenly the tables turned.
MATCH REPORT: Dockers dodge spirited Saints
The Saints bit back with six of the next seven goals, hitting targets, applying manic pressure and displaying the form that has eluded the team for much of the season.
A strong start to the final term saw hope of unlikely victory grow, hope that was ultimately dashed when inaccuracy in front of goal again halted any momentum.
But amid the gloom of another defeat was the performance of Phillips, a clear shining light.
“Ed looked really composed,” senior coach Alan Richardson said.
“I thought he was able to cope with the heat and the pressure that Fremantle was able to serve up … I thought it was a really positive first game.”
Sandringham Head Coach Aaron Hamill was also thrilled for Phillips after such a strong senior debut, with the ex-Saint having spent a lot of time developing the young wingman’s game in the VFL.
“I was rapt for him to get the opportunity, and even more pleasing was that he didn’t look out of place,” Hamill said.
“He made good decisions and he continued on his VFL form into AFL level, so hopefully for the fans, we’ve found one in Ed that can really contribute.”
Get your Halo On for 2018
Richardson was also impressed by the performances of the Saints’ other 2018 debutants, Hunter Clark and Nick Coffield, who stood up well under the fierce pressure applied by the Dockers early in the game.
“I thought our young blokes were pretty good today,” the senior coach said.
“I thought that Hunter Clark performed quite strongly down in defence, particularly early in the game when things weren’t going our way … and Coffield, too.”
The Saints face a tough task in Collingwood at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, and Richardson’s side must emulate their third-quarter performance against Fremantle if they’re to claim their second win of 2018.
