The Saints, amongst an abundance of other issues, have a captaincy problem.
I am not a big fan of isolating individual players, however in this case, I think it's unavoidable that Geary comes under the microscope.
Four things stand out to me that make the situation awkward
1) The on-field leadership is extremely poor. The body language of the players, combined with an inability to stymie a momentum swing to the opposition, suggests that the on-field leadership is lacklustre, and there is no inspiring figure to drag the team over the line.
2) Geary is a back pocket, which is a difficult position to lead from. The only similar person in the league is Shannon Hurn, however he often finds himself playing an attacking role in the midfield due to his penetrating kicking.
3) Regular damaging turnovers in the defensive 50. The impact on morale when a turnover from the captain directly leads to a goal to the opposition must be devastating.
4) Geary is a 29, soon to be 30 year old. Though I havn't watched any VFL games, reports are that Bailey Rice is doing consistently well and has GOOD foot skills. The only way I can see him coming into the side is if Geary comes out, which is next to impossible while Geary is captain.
Amongst other changes at the end of the year, it is absolutely crucial in my opinion that the captaincy is transferred. Of course, the issue is who to pass the baton to. While I have been a fan of Luke Dunstan's work this year, I don't know if even he is 100% a lock for every game. The captaincy is just one of many issues plaguing the club.
I am not a big fan of isolating individual players, however in this case, I think it's unavoidable that Geary comes under the microscope.
Four things stand out to me that make the situation awkward
1) The on-field leadership is extremely poor. The body language of the players, combined with an inability to stymie a momentum swing to the opposition, suggests that the on-field leadership is lacklustre, and there is no inspiring figure to drag the team over the line.
2) Geary is a back pocket, which is a difficult position to lead from. The only similar person in the league is Shannon Hurn, however he often finds himself playing an attacking role in the midfield due to his penetrating kicking.
3) Regular damaging turnovers in the defensive 50. The impact on morale when a turnover from the captain directly leads to a goal to the opposition must be devastating.
4) Geary is a 29, soon to be 30 year old. Though I havn't watched any VFL games, reports are that Bailey Rice is doing consistently well and has GOOD foot skills. The only way I can see him coming into the side is if Geary comes out, which is next to impossible while Geary is captain.
Amongst other changes at the end of the year, it is absolutely crucial in my opinion that the captaincy is transferred. Of course, the issue is who to pass the baton to. While I have been a fan of Luke Dunstan's work this year, I don't know if even he is 100% a lock for every game. The captaincy is just one of many issues plaguing the club.
Last edited: