Autopsy 2025 Round 18: Swans swindle slow Saints

[g_TRAIN]

Stats probably don’t tell you how many turnovers or non scores going into 50 we stuff up
Watching games live you see it time and again
Last kick into 50 is rarely a drilled kick to a lead up forward - it’s often a bomb in that comes out
We lock it and eventually scrap a goal but the entry strategy looks poor
Watch Pies - they don’t waste it they kick to their forwards advantage and are always looking for the lead up chip kick in for a shot on goal (they also have forwards who can kick a drop punt from 25 out direct in front of……Higgins??? Owens ???? Even Butler seems to struggle at that distance … but yeah our entries aren’t great

The stats do tell us how many entries into 50 we stuff up. About 55.2% of the time which is 0.1% better than AFL average.

The eye test tells me we have a lot to work on don't get me wrong.

But compared to the teams around our level were actually ok.

My point was its less of a concern than other areas all be it we still need to improve.

 

[sauce_head]

Not gonna lie it would be absolutely hilarious if we did. Carlton fans have probably already worked out exactly who they're drafting with the first rounder.

Tell Cartlon we only take him if they finish above us, otherwise they can lose their compensation pick. Pricks.

 

[Diehard Saint]

Sydney really sat on Hall early and he managed to break free and cause mayhem again by the end. He's probably an A grade talent already. He's responsible for a fair percentage of our scoring most games. Hard to believe he's only in his first season and a 17 game veteran. Looks like a 150 gamer already.

Windhager is still tracking to be a very good player. If he can keep a consistent level of quality like that up he's on his way to being one of our first picked players.

Also, I felt Owens had his most effective game for a little while - bobbing up with a couple of goals out of the blue.

 

[Saintbloke]

It sure is alarming to see our older and more experienced players all dropping off slightly in form as a group over this last 6-8 weeks. The WCE game was a terrible effort with lack of leadership. I don't think any of them can bring that intensity late in the game as they used to.

We have promising young players in the wings, but we can't expect them to be carrying the team, or be too critical of them as they start their careers- we do need a couple of experienced players to really have standout games and show the way to the younger players, and I think Wilke is the only experienced player who is playing to a consistent standard.

 

[SG34]

It sure is alarming to see our older and more experienced players all dropping off slightly in form as a group over this last 6-8 weeks. The WCE game was a terrible effort with lack of leadership. I don't think any of them can bring that intensity late in the game as they used to.

We have promising young players in the wings, but we can't expect them to be carrying the team, or be too critical of them as they start their careers- we do need a couple of experienced players to really have standout games and show the way to the younger players, and I think Wilke is the only experienced player who is playing to a consistent standard.

Not only the seniors, but yes, the seniors, if that makes sense.

And ironically, stats tell us Wilkie is getting a pounding (goals conceded). But he has risen to 6th in contested marks. Caminiti is 24th.

2025 AFL League Total Intercepts Leaders

2025 AFL League Total Intercepts Leaders.

www.footywire.com

 

[Saints TV]

Woody’s back this week to break down St Kilda’s game against Sydney, spotlighting the key improvement in ball use that finally turned half chances into dangerous attacking situations.

 

[puppy_dog7]

One thing I’ve noticed with Tauru is that he has seemingly no fear at all to kick to a bloke who has an opponent trailing close behind him, even down back, where such kicks are dangerous.

Obviously he made a mess of the kick to Hill (was hugely risky, but could have come off if he’d kept it lower and out in front of Brad, not sit it on his head, with Heeney stalking), yet even after that cost us a goal, he then kicked one to Henry in the middle of the centre square later in the game, with a bloke right up Liam’s clacker, which he held strongly, and he’s done a handful of similar kicks in his other games as well.

Kicks into dangerous parts of the ground to guys with someone trailing close behind, yet he takes these kicks- that most wouldn’t generally risk taking- like it’s nothing.

And the only one he’s missed so far was the Hill one.

The kid has stones.

It hurts us now. But that’s something we don’t want to coach out of him.
Last thing we want is to turn him into an indecisive timid Jack Billings.

Need to back him in and let him know he can go for his kicks, but better either hit the target or know when they’re definitely not on.

 

[Desperate saint]

One thing I’ve noticed with Tauru is that he has seemingly no fear at all to kick to a bloke who has an opponent trailing close behind him, even down back, where such kicks are dangerous.

Obviously he made a mess of the kick to Hill (was hugely risky, but could have come off if he’d kept it lower and out in front of Brad, not sit it on his head, with Heeney stalking), yet even after that cost us a goal, he then kicked one to Henry in the middle of the centre square later in the game, with a bloke right up Liam’s clacker, which he held strongly, and he’s done a handful of similar kicks in his other games as well.

Kicks into dangerous parts of the ground to guys with someone trailing close behind, yet he takes these kicks- that most wouldn’t generally risk taking- like it’s nothing.

And the only one he’s missed so far was the Hill one.

The kid has stones.

Hill should never have been an option -flat footed with a dinky 15 meter pass-no game sense from hill

 

[billings2paddy]

Sorry but Sydney are not a good football team. Very much mid table at best. Got smashed by Dees, lost to Bombers, got done by close to 100 by the Crows only a month ago. They have beaten the Dockers at home, just. That is their "winning" formline.

It's hardly a massive call to expect us to beat them on our home deck after being in a commanding position for 80% of the game.

Strongly disagree

 

[saintbill]

Strongly disagree

Well the ladder and line up of spud teams that have smacked them this year suggest otherwise.

 

[Nutsngum]

Hill should never have been an option -flat footed with a dinky 15 meter pass-no game sense from hill

Yeah I blame Hill a lot more for that then the 4th game player who would be following team rules. Granted Tauru was a bit blind sighted by not seeing the lack of separation but during the three seconds you get to make a decision a veteran calling for the ball trumps all.

 

[aussierulesrules]

Well the ladder and line up of spud teams that have smacked them this year suggest otherwise.

I didn’t realise we played them two months ago, when they were stinking it up.

I thought we played them on the weekend, when they won their 4th game of their last 5.

Thanks for clearing that up for us.

 

[jwikked]

Yeah I blame Hill a lot more for that then the 4th game player who would be following team rules. Granted Tauru was a bit blind sighted by not seeing the lack of separation but during the three seconds you get to make a decision a veteran calling for the ball trumps all.

Yeah Tauru sees hill calling for the ball and rightfully presumes it’s a good option, given he’s a senior leader.

One bad game from Tauru doesn’t mean anything. He hasn’t had his second year blues yet

 

[aussierulesrules]

Yeah Tauru sees hill calling for the ball and rightfully presumes it’s a good option, given he’s a senior leader.

Assumption is the mother of all f-ups.

It was a bad call to kick it to him whether he called for it or not. Far far too risky, but if you are going to make the call to go for such a risky kick, it’s on you to pull it off.

The rate that some on here blame Hill for anything that goes wrong is almost on par with Bill blaming anything we do wrong or imperfectly on Ross.

As I noted, Alix CHOOSES to take very risky kicks every week.

Live by the sword, die by the sword.

 

[Desperate saint]

Assumption is the mother of all f-ups.

It was a bad call to kick it to him whether he called for it or not. Far far too risky, but if you are going to make the call to go for such a risky kick, it’s on you to pull it off.

The rate that some on here blame Hill for anything that goes wrong is almost on par with Bill blaming anything we do wrong or imperfectly on Ross.

As I noted, Alix CHOOSES to take very risky kicks every week.

Live by the sword, die by the sword.

yep agree to disagree -how was Hills running past that ground ball that resulted in another Swans goal or when he kicked to a 3 on 1 on exit from the d 50 that resulted in another goal .

 

[billings2paddy]

Well the ladder and line up of spud teams that have smacked them this year suggest otherwise.

There were factors regarding new coach, game plan and injuries which resulted in their performances.
Quality teams make grand finals

 

[Ads734]

Weekly VFL for those can’t be bothered.

General comments. There was an absolute Gail to the south end. Sandy had the upper hand for most of the game although Sean’s did close for once Sandy went on with it. It was as good a Sandy team as they’ve had this year.

Therefore most of these comments are going to be pretty possitive.

Wilson - everyone talking up Dodson including me but I thought it was Darcy’s best game in a while. Racked it up , used his run and defended it strongly. I thought his movement in and out the stoppage was elite tbh. Really pleased.


Edit I forgot king dodo

I say it every week. Not since Ro have we had a ruck as advanced as Dodson walk in. Then take into his ago.
Then take into account it’s his first match as a sole ruckman. What he’s showing is out of this world.

Firstly in the game, it’s wild how quickly he’s improving. I thought his actual ruck work was subpar in the first half before he got on top in the second half. If Rowan is king of the dump kick , Alex is king of the quick hands out of the stoppage. He has an amazing ability handball out of congestion and quickly. He has amazing hand eye coordination no doubt from his basketball backround.

I saw him some decent kicks and his marking is improving. What I’ve loved is his variety of kicking goals. He’s kicking goals off the ground, as the tallest marking option and everything in between, including a beauty into the wind on the boundry. I say it every week but I’d restructure our entire ruck strategy around him tbh. Young rucks are not supposed to do what he is doing at his age.

Dow- was everywhere. A bit messy but still building. Idk what to do with paddy. Will he move the needle ? Idk but he deserves a game soon I think.

Jones. Rinse repeat. Too good for the level. Maybe we can keep him
For next year.

Byrnes - simmilar to above. Wasn’t as prolific but a class above.

Collard. I thought Lance was a bit more involved before his injury. Still think we don’t help him enough but anyways.

Said - also, getting more and more involved. Looking forward to seeing him next year.

Cordy same re jones. Nice to have him back.

Barrat- like saidy. Like his build. Easier game for him this week. Patience but I think he’ll be ok.

Arie- I thought he really stood out imo. His marking looked better and is starting to be a class above in terms of his decision making. Think he’s inline a for recall soon.

Trav - not his most prolific game but had his moments. Rarely loses one v ones and took a lovely contested mark. I don’t love how we’re developing him atm.
Imo he should be playing half at hb and half in the guts.

Gus - papers are stamped unfortunately, still think there is a role for him but yea same as cordy

 

[stfan]

It hurts us now. But that’s something we don’t want to coach out of him.
Last thing we want is to turn him into an indecisive timid Jack Billings.

Need to back him in and let him know he can go for his kicks, but better either hit the target or know when they’re definitely not on.

Let's be honest. Some of his kick selections were god damn awful. That is ok, that is what younger player's do (ie Hastie last week). As long as he learns from it. Part of it is getting used to playing in front of crowds and teams that have much better players than he has played against in past years.

 

[stfan]

Arie- I thought he really stood out imo. His marking looked better and is starting to be a class above in terms of his decision making. Think he’s inline a for recall soon.

Where did they play Arie in this game?

 

[gringo2011]

It sure is alarming to see our older and more experienced players all dropping off slightly in form as a group over this last 6-8 weeks. The WCE game was a terrible effort with lack of leadership. I don't think any of them can bring that intensity late in the game as they used to.

We have promising young players in the wings, but we can't expect them to be carrying the team, or be too critical of them as they start their careers- we do need a couple of experienced players to really have standout games and show the way to the younger players, and I think Wilke is the only experienced player who is playing to a consistent standard.

That's also partly because we have got younger. They have to take on more of the load

 

[Remboy]

Where did they play Arie in this game?

The VFL report said he played wing the whole game.

 

[Sarcoidevo]

Rule No 1 .... DONT EVER kick to Brad Hill if he is positioned inside the defensive 50m arc

 

[Ads734]

Where did they play Arie in this game?

Wing /HB IIRC

 

[MOLTEN GANGLANDS]

tauru taking decisive yet sometimes risky kicks is totally fine because by this time next year he will be playing forward and that kind of decision making is exactly what we want

 

[Saintbloke]

Tauru as a first year player, is finding his way, and any bugs he has in his play, should be ironed out by the coach, as that's why coaches are paid a lot of money.