At a glance:

  • Zak Jones has praised St Kilda's young players for taking their opportunities against Brisbane.
  • The Saints now move to ninth position on the ladder after upsetting the Lions by 32 points.
  • Jones starred in his return game from a quad rupture, collecting 26 disposals and 10 clearances.

Zak Jones has praised St Kilda’s young players for standing up and taking their opportunities following their 32-point victory over Brisbane on Saturday night.

The Saints were outstanding throughout the night, quelling the impact of the Lions’ midfield and bringing the pressure and intensity that was a hallmark of their 2020 season.

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While skipper Jack Steele, Luke Dunstan and Jones himself were all instrumental in the win, it was the performances of St Kilda’s youngsters that most impressed the 26-year-old midfielder.

“Our younger boys are really standing up,” Jones told the media following Saturday’s win.

“We had those players who really stood up and it wasn’t just our senior players, it was the younger boys who took their opportunities."

Round 17 v Brisbane
  • 02:22

    RD17 | 'It's a really good feeling to see the boys get reward': Jones post-match

    Zak Jones spoke to STK Media after our Round 17 win over Brisbane.

    AFL
  • 01:59

    RD17 | 'We just need to keep building': King after stunning win

    Max King spoke to STK Media after our Round 17 win over Brisbane.

    AFL
  • 01:51

    RD17 | Dare Coach's Message

    Senior Coach Brett Ratten's message to fans following our Round 17 win over Brisbane.

    AFL
  • 06:59

    RD17 | 'I think it was our best performance so far this year': Ratten

    Watch St Kilda's press conference after round 17's match against Brisbane

    AFL
  • 05:56

    RD17 | Highlights v Brisbane

    The Lions and Saints clash in round 17

    AFL
  • 00:27

    Team song: St Kilda

    Watch the Saints celebrate their round 17 win

    AFL
  • 00:46

    RD17 | Long screamer leads to Saints' fifth goal in a row

    Ben Long's brilliant high-flying mark leads to St Kilda's fifth goal in a row through Daniel McKenzie

    AFL
  • 00:32

    RD17 | Connolly nails first AFL goal

    Leo Connolly has extended his side's advantage with this goal his first at AFL level

    AFL
  • 00:39

    RD17 | Byrnes' banana makes it four Saints goals in a row

    Ryan Byrnes has put this goal through to make it four goals in a row for the Saints

    AFL

It was a promising display from the St Kilda youth, with Max King and Ryan Byrnes slotting five goals between them, while Tom Highmore was strong down back and Leo Connolly kicked his first goal in AFL football.

Jones said it was pleasing to see the younger Saints looking at home on at senior level.

“We just had a lot more people buy in and we’re playing a lot more team football of having players that buy into the system,” he said.

“As I said we’ve got younger players stepping up and that’s pushing our senior players to make sure they’re stepping up too.

“When you have all 18 to 22 players, playing their role, it really shows in our football.”

The victory made for a happy return to AFL football for Jones, who notched up 26 disposals and 10 clearances in a productive outing for the midfielder.

Playing his first game back since a quad injury suffered in May, the Saints’ No. 3 was pleased that he was able to get back into his groove at Metricon Stadium.

Zak Jones played his first game back since Round 8. Photo: Corey Scicluna.

“I wasn’t sure where I was going to go (up to Brisbane) this week.

“I thought I might’ve played VFL but we had that discussion and I’ve had some really good sessions over the past three weeks building up my fitness.

“I didn’t feel out of place there last night.”

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