An experimental St Kilda line-up has come up trumps in Sunday’s scratch match against Carlton, with several players reasserting their selection credentials ahead of the upcoming fixture cram.
The energetic Saints faced a young Blues outfit for the second time in as many weeks, as sunny Queensland surrounds replaced last fortnight’s blustery conditions at Ikon Park.
Jack Sinclair was a clear standout in the comprehensive display through his run-and-carry and legwork around the contest, while Ryan Abbott led the midfield through his strong ruckwork.
Sinclair’s services were only required for the opening half after being selected as a traveling emergency for tonight’s match with Adelaide.
Jack Bytel pieced together arguably his best performance of the year with a dominant inside role to complement Sinclair’s impressive outing.
Equally eye-catching were the positional shifts that saw several players stray away from their usual roles.
Dylan Roberton spent most of the match on the wing to thin out the defender-heavy squad, Nathan Brown and Darragh Joyce were swung up forward to jag a goal apiece, while Nicholas Hind, Jonathon Marsh and Ed Phillips played extended minutes inside.
Draftee Leo Connolly was also thrown all over the ground, plugging holes up forward and through the middle instead of his customary half-back position.
After wearing the Navy Blue to even up the numbers in last fortnight’s match, the Gippsland Power recruit booted the opening goal in his rightful colours to kickstart the Saints’ dominant run.
Development Manager Ben McGlynn credited the side’s lively efforts – particularly in the offensive end and through the midfield – post-match.
“The boys are really trying to create their own energy,” McGlynn told saints.com.au.
“It’s pretty tough with no four points on the line, but we’ve got to create our own environment and their attitude’s been pretty good post the Richmond game.
“That’s been led by Marshy, Darragh and Hind, who are the guys that liven up the group a fair bit.
“It’s great having the experience like Browny and Robbo playing, and hopefully it will help them all push for selection over the coming weeks.”
With the 2020 fixture set for a squeeze with 33 games set to take place over 19 days for Rounds 9-12, the shorter turnarounds are likely to see the red, white and black utilise its full list over the coming weeks.
Experienced defenders Jimmy Webster and Daniel McKenzie – along with untried Saint Oscar Clavarino – continued their selection push after solid showings, while Ben Long was able to maintain match fitness following his suspension against Fremantle.
Doulton Langlands and Matty Parker added to the Saints’ firing forward line as ruck prospects Jack Bell and Sam Alabakis served as hit-up targets heading into attack.
Senior coach Brett Ratten and sidelined Saints Dan Hannebery and Luke Dunstan were also on hand to offer their support and advice during the match.
The Saints entered with a healthy list of 20 in the 17v17 affair, before gradually shrinking to 15 and then 14 in the final quarter to go with the Blues’ younger bodies and lower numbers.
It wasn’t all good news, however, with Jack Mayo going down with a suspected knee injury in the second quarter. The extent of the injury is yet to be determined.
Mayo was rubbed out of the previous scratch match before half-time with concussion.
Future practice matches are likely to be worked out between St Kilda and opposition clubs following the fixture announcement of Rounds 9-12, which is expected to occur in the coming days.
