The Age - Feature Articles - St Kilda 2005

[Kildonan]

Jake Niall's article in the Age this week critiques St Kilda and their prospects in 2005.

Link to article

ON THE RISE
NICK RIEWOLDT At 22, he's already one of the game's best handfuls, yet Riewoldt's trajectory - on and off-field - is still upwards. This year, he should be a touch stronger and, as the designated captain, might develop a Carey-like capacity to lift his team at opportune moments.
LUKE BALL If he's not already, Ball should be the Saints' No.2 player behind Riewoldt by season's end. With skill, speed and a knack for winning the footy in close, Ball is a fully rounded midfielder and one of the rocks on which the new St Kilda is built.
BRENDON GODDARD Last year, he was slightly below expectations and there remains some confusion about the position that best suits his talents. Having added several kilograms to his frame, the 190-centimetre Goddard can either settle on a wing, halfback, or maybe become the coach's positional Polyfilla.

AT THE CROSSROADS
AARON HAMILL It's a harsh game. The admirable Hamill hasn't done much wrong, it's just that, given his taxing job as the battering ram of the forward line, there are doubts whether his 27-year-old body can withstand the punishment wrought by constant collisions. Dermott Brereton, remember, was all but spent at his age.
XAVIER CLARKE He takes hangers, runs swiftly and has the Northern Territory flair, but occasional flashy solos cannot conceal the fact that Clarke, pick five in a rich draft, has been left behind by his 2001 draft mates Ball, Nick Dal Santo and Matt Maguire. To date, there's more sizzle than steak where his output is concerned.
AARON FIORA Anyone who gets shown the door by the 16th club is, by definition, fortunate to arrive at the crossroads. A disappointment at Tigerland, the Saints took a punt that Fiora's talent will finally flourish in a new environment.

NIALL'S BEST 22
B Baker Penny Hudghton
HB Jones Maguire Voss
C X.Clarke Ball Goddard
HF Hamill Riewoldt Dal Santo
F Milne Gehrig Guerra
Foll: Koschitzke, Hayes, Harvey
Inter: Powell, Thompson, Blake, Fiora

ARRIVALS Cain Ackland, James Gwilt, Mark McGough, Andrew McQualter (all 2004 National Draft), Aaron Fiora (traded, from Richmond), Dylan Pfitzner, Nick Stone (from rookie list)

DEPARTURES Heath Black (traded, to Fremantle), Craig Callaghan (retired), Josh Houlihan, Trent Knobel, Brett Moyle, Daniel Wulf (all delisted).

Injuries:
[Player] [Injury] [Onset] [Estimated Return]
Xavier Clarke thigh injury Last season Rnd 2
May not make a round one return.

Leigh Fisher shoulder injury Last season Rnd 1
Had shoulder surgery in the off season and will remain on the injured list for the start of the 2005 season

Fraser Gehrig back injury Last season Pre-season
Suffering stress reaction in his lumbar spine. Hopeful of at least one hit out before the season starts.

Jason Gram shoulder injury Last season Rnd 1
May be fit for round one after surgery to his left shoulder.

Leigh Montagna hamstring strain Preseason games Rnd 2
Injured against the Demons on the weekend. It will take a perfect rehab for him to be fit for the first round.

Luke Penny knee cartilage damage Preseason games Rnd 2
Injured at training on Tuesday 22 Feb. Cartilage damage will rule him out for about a month.

 

[narthola_04]

I really think because of judd lukey ball is underrated. I think he is vital to our midfield and he will really turn into a superstar, i cannot imagine him not being there, time after time he goes in and gets the hard ball and i can't wait for the day when he is able to captain our club...he's made for it in every sense of the word!!

it's a big year for x though, a really big year! he really really needs to step up, when he's on he is brilliant, and a lot of people don't realise that he's good in close as well through traffic, it's just that he doesn't show it often.

i think putting fiora at the cross roads was a bit harsh, if he doesn't step up this year then it's justified but i think he needs a chance to show what he can do in a new club with a fresh start.

 

[Snickers]

Obviously this guy didnt watch how impressive Fiora was in the Wizard Cup to have Xav on the wing instead of him.

 

[m.diddy]

Yeah i reckon with that best 22 i'd take our X and guerra and replace them with Fiora and Ackland, putting ackland in the ruck and kosi in FP