Shane Savage learnt a lot about himself in 2017. He played the final eight games of the season and finished the year in career best form. But until that point of the year, the dashing defender was stuck on the periphery at Sandringham, searching for his belief.
After playing the first three games in Alan Richardson’s 22, Savage only appeared once more before returning for good in Round 16. From there, he returned with a vengeance, averaging 24.6 disposals and 532.2 metres gained – the fourth most in the competition during that time.
It wasn’t easy to turn his year around. But through the invaluable work of St Kilda’s sports psychologist Emma Murray, Savage rediscovered the belief that had waivered earlier in the year. And the results followed.
“I learnt a lot from last year; I’ve come out a lot stronger from it,” Savage told saints.com.au at St Kilda’s pre-season camp at Geelong Grammar.
“Obviously that first half of the year was a lot tougher. I’m used to playing some pretty consistent footy. So being out of the team, I found out a lot about myself.
“Emma Murray helped me out a lot and gave me a lot of tools that helped me find my belief again helped me play my best footy again. I’ve come out a lot stronger and I’m looking forward to a big year ahead.”
Savage, who has now played 67 games for the Saints since crossing from Hawthorn at the end of 2013, said the highly regarded Murray equipped him with tools that he could trigger when he required them in games.
“She was able to give me a lot of words that meant a lot to me. I was able to take them out onto the field and whenever I found myself drifting throughout a game I was able to come back to those words and refocus myself,” Savage said.
As St Kilda’s season ground to a halt at the end of August, the dynamics inside the Savage household changed a gear. Savage and his wife, Sarah, welcomed their second child, Willow, providing their son, Jett, with a baby sister.
“It’s been amazing. I love being a Dad. Every time I get home they just make me so happy and make me switch off from footy. I love playing around with them,” he said.
