St Kilda travelled across to Western Australia in search of their first win at Subiaco since 2011 and returned with the scalp they were seeking, says young gun Jade Gresham.
After falling short against West Coast in Round 2, the Saints didn’t make the same mistake twice, outplaying Fremantle in the last quarter to end a six-game losing streak in Perth and bank a third consecutive win.
Gresham continued his rich vein of form at Domain Stadium, booting three important goals from 17 possessions (nine contested) and five clearances, as well as being involved in nine scores – the second most for St Kilda.
“It’s a great feeling obviously coming over to Perth against a team going well. So just to get the four points is a really big effort,” Gresham told saints.com.au after the nine-point win on Sunday.
“We wanted to take a scalp interstate and today I thought it was a really good grind, four-quarter effort, so I’m really rapt.
“There were a few lead changes in the last quarter but we grinded it out and just never gave up until the final siren.”
With 18.19 now to his name from 14 games in 2017, Gresham has registered more scoring shots than any other Saint; two more than Josh Bruce (23.12) and four more than Tim Membrey (21.12).
Gresham admits he was pleased to convert his chances against the Dockers after not making the most of his opportunities against Gold Coast and North Melbourne.
“I was lucky enough to get on the end of a few. I haven’t been kicking many in the last few weeks so it was good to get on the scoreboard and contribute to the win,” Gresham said.
Now more than a year and a half into his time at Linen House Centre, the man who St Kilda chose with their first pick, No. 18, in 2015, has raced to 32 games – the third most of any player in his draft class.
“For me last year I was happy to get a few games in and then this year I’ve held my spot every game and hopefully I can continue that and just keep my place in this side,” Gresham said.