Brett Ratten kept a close eye on the weekend’s scratch match as a host of Saints pressed their case for a finals inclusion.
There wasn’t a spectator in sight as the Saints and Giants came together for a scratch match on Friday, but that wouldn’t have worried a bevy of players looking for the chance to impress
With Ratten, David Rath and Saints’ senior assistants Brendon Lade and Aaron Hamill watching on, the players had everyone they needed in attendance to stake their finals claims.
With Robbie Chancellor at the helm, the young Saints were ultimately edged out by the Giants on the scoresheet by a couple of goals but showed plenty in the hot conditions.
Oscar Clavarino was perhaps the brightest star with his intercept marking in defence a constant feature throughout.
The rangy defender attacked the ball in the air and continued a late-season purple patch with several strong marks.
Experienced speedster Shane Savage played a strong first half before being put on standby for the AFL clash, while Ryan Byrnes sat out altogether as the carry-over emergency.
Jack Bytel (two goals), and Luke Dunstan won plenty of the ball through the middle, with Dunstan his typically combative self and Bytel improving as the game wore on to claim good clearance numbers.
Jimmy Webster and Dylan Roberton were solid in the back half with both aggression and assured foot skills, while Jonathon Marsh had his moments at the other end using his power and speed to break away.
Darragh Joyce kicked two goals, including a powerful snap in the third term, and Nicholas Hind looked ready for a recall with busy game playing both in the midfield and forward.
Ryan Abbott competed hard with Sam Jacobs in the ruck, Leo Connolly provided several glimpses of his sublime skills, and Ed Phillips ran himself to the point of exhaustion.
Logan Austin played the first half in defence before being shifted forward in the second half where he dragged down several strong grabs.
Matty Parker’s defensive pressure was a highlight, particularly early in the contest when the pace of the game was at its highest, while Doulton Langlands had some memorable moments crashing through the stoppage.
Dan McKenzie wasn’t risked after some lower leg soreness in the first half, while young rookie Jack Bell played for the Giants as a key forward.
Rookie ruckman Sam Alabakis continued his development with stints in the ruck against Jacobs and showcased his improved strength and ruck craft.
