Gun recruit Zak Jones shone in his first appearance for the Saints, amassing more than 30 disposals in the midfield against the Hawks in Friday evening’s Emergency Services Practice Match in Morwell.
Jones’ prolific display and the successful return of Dylan Roberton, Jarryn Geary and Jimmy Webster were the major positives from the hit-out which the Saints lost 6.12 (48) to the more experienced Hawks 11.8 (74).
It was tale of two ends of the ground for the Saints, with an experienced back six keeping the Hawks at bay for much of the evening, while an inexperienced forward line struggled to capitalise on the weight of possession.
The young Saints finished with more scoring shots than the Hawks, but it was the opportunity to provide a taste of AFL football to several youngsters that coach Brett Ratten highlighted after the match as one of the most pleasing aspects.
“We were really competitive tonight and to give Jack Bytel, Ryan Byrnes, Leo Connolly and Sam Alabakis the chance to line-up against the likes of Shaun Burgoyne and Jaeger O’Meara was great,” Ratten told saints.com.au.
“It gives them a taste at this level and that will hold them in really good stead this year.”
Geary, Roberton and Webster combined like the band had never been apart in defence, while Nathan Brown blanketed Jonathon Patton.
Roberton, on his way back from a heart issue, showed he has lost none of his trademark class across half-back.
The 28-year-old collected at least half a dozen intercept marks and set up the Saints with his precise kicking.
Ben Paton was arguably the pick of the youngsters, with his speed and run from defence a highlight.
But it was Jones who caught the eye, with the tough-nut bulldozing his way through the middle to gather possessions at will.
The only one of the Saints’ five big-name recruits to take the field in Morwell, Jones kicked the Saints first goal; a clever check-side kick from the pocket after some nice work from Nicholas Hind.
Hind and Matty Parker buzzed around the forward line, piling on the pressure, but the goals failed to come in the first half as the Hawks went to the main break with a 16-point lead.
Former Saint Darren Minchington seized his opportunities in the third term with two clever goals for the Hawks, while Doulton Langlands and Dan McKenzie goalled for Brett Ratten’s side.
Ryan Abbott dominated the hit-outs, allowing Seb Ross and Jones first use out of the middle, with the former Cats big-man showing he will be more than handy support for Rowan Marshall and Paddy Ryder.
Missing the two key talls, along with Tim Membrey, Max King, Jack Lonie and Dan Butler, the Saints’ attack was led by Jonathon Marsh, Darragh Joyce and Jack Mayo.
Marsh’s explosive speed was impressive at times with the key tall also spending time as a midfielder, but his night could have been far better with three behinds from three shots.
Ryan Byrnes, Jack Bytel and Mayo were among several youngsters to get an opportunity in the Saints’ colours.
Bytel held his own swapping between the centre square and forward 50, making his first appearance at any level after more than a year out with a back injury.
Nick Coffield was another to spend time in the middle, while Oscar Clavarino had an impact in defence when he came on after half-time.
Ed Phillips won plenty of football, while Josh Battle had some nice moments playing on opposite wing, including a left-foot snap goal in the final term.
Most pleasing for Brett Ratten and his coaching team was the clean bill of health, with no injury concerns stemming from the night.
The Saints are likely to return to play a close to full-strength side at the same venue next Sunday when they take on Collingwood in the second Marsh Series game.
As many as 17 changes could be made as the Saints’ turn their attention to Round 1.
