As an important member of a new-look ruck division, Stanley has refused to put a ceiling on what the Saints can achieve this season after winning their first two games.
“Yeah we have potential and every team does,” Stanley said. “It’s just about us bringing the effort each week. With the list we’ve got and with the boys knowing their roles, anything is possible. That’s all it is really. It’s about keeping it simple and going out to have a crack each week.”
“The boys sort of think now what we can achieve… We just try and model ourselves on bringing effort.”
While Stanley has never been one to rack up big disposal stats, it is his ability to impact the game in the forward half that has been most impressive in 2014.
The South Australian, who was drafted from West Adelaide, booted two goals against Melbourne in round one and registered three inside 50s. He was goalless against the Giants but still pumped the ball inside 50 on three occasions and competed well in the ruck.
With Dean Cox and Nic Naitanui in excellent touch and the Eagles playing good football, Stanley admits this will be his biggest test so far.
“It’s a big trip,” he said. “We are looking forward to the challenge and to be able to test ourselves against a quality opposition away from home. If we crack in, we’ll give it a good run.”
West Coast and St Kilda are two of six unbeaten teams after the first two rounds, and Nick Riewoldt looms as a crucial force once again if the Saints are to upset Adam Simpson’s men.
People enjoy writing players off but he’s one that I just wouldn’t ever do that to,” Stanley said.
“He will play until he can no longer literally move. He’s an absolute star and it’s just a testament to how hard he works.”
“When he kicks a goal it makes all the boys just stand a foot taller and want to be a better.”
St Kilda will leave for Perth on Thursday and hold an open training session at Patersons Stadium on Friday, before taking the field against the Eagles on Saturday evening.
RELATED: Perth open training
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