What we learnt from Round 7 demolition of Carlton!

[Look2Me4Guidance]

Sorry to paraphrase, but let's hope so L2M4G

No doubt Carlton fans will point to a poor game from them, but I think mostly it was due to the way our lot played on them

The intensity at the contest was there all night, but along with it were clean skills

Certainly puts a spring in all fans steps and makes going to Perth this weekend perhaps not such a daunting task as it could have been. With their outs, we're in with a real chance if we play like last night

I have always believed, St.Kilda at their best means the opposition don't play at their best because they are constantly under pressure.

Whilst I like Sippa as a player of the future, gotta say I'm still scratching my head with his selection. I appreciate comments from posters that we shouldn't bring him in for just one game, but he just lacks the pace/intensity at this stage. All well and good to be a lovely kick of the ball, but you've got to get it in space first.

I still firmly believe he is not a running player, but a tall marking forward once he gets the necessary bulk and strength.

He's not even 20yo yet, and it just seems that he can develop just as well in the VFL - particularly with Wilkes in the AFL.

I thought making him a sub might work, as the pace would be off the game when he came on. Unfortunately for him it was still frenetic and he just seemed relatively slow.

The return of Fisher (and Gwilt and possibly Clarke) will put more pressure on, but there are guys like Newnes, Cripps and Ledger (Polo and Peake too) who are not getting games.

Couldn't help wonder whether Dunell is showing a little more desparation in that mobile marking goalkicker role.

This will seem strange I know, but Siposs looked so much bigger last night. His legs seemed noticeably bigger. I agree Squizz, he was treacle. The pace was too much for him. I would think with the back to back to back 6 day breaks the younger guys like Siposs and perhaps Saad may be rotated.

 

[CensusSainter]

1. Our Pressure:

Some people may have taken Ross Lyon to task on not developing, or blooding the young kids of our squad; whilst this may be the case, he (or Chris Pelchin) can certainly identify good young talent, and it is good that Scott Watters gets the opportunity to play these young kids, as expectations on St Kilda are luke-warm for the next 3-5 years. These kids can play. Terry Milera will probably end up being the mature age pick of the year, and even more impressive is the work a young-bodied Tom Simpkin as a key position defender. No doubt, he will be come the new Sam Fisher over time. Another exciting phacet to our game is the direction and mentoring that the older blokes are giving to our young kids. Jason Blake is a true warrior, and no doubt bleeds red, white and black. Missing our two best defenders (Fisher and Gwilt), Blake was pivotal in keeping balls-Waite to only two marks for the game, when he averages ten a game in 2012. A great role-model for T.Simpkin

2. The Forward Line:

Again, a much maligned forward line in the past, being one dimensional. Saints midfield, look to Rooey who is double and triple teamed because no team has traditionally had to worry about Kosi being much chop; Occasionally S.Milne would pipe up for a goal or two, however it has often been too easy for opposing teams to shut down our forward line. Enter Rhys Stanley!!!. The addition of Rhys Stanley, has meant that teams now need to consider another big (not to mention mobile) player in our forward line. Combined with an uplift in Kosi in 2012 has resulted in Roo not being the single key option in our forward line. On many occasions, I actually saw players (Steven, Ray, Gram etc) ignore the lead of Roo and instead hit Stanley or Kosi on the chest. It was also great to see Kosi get across to Stanley when he kicked an important crumbing goal after missing one earlier. This type of mentoring and leadership by the older players is key!!! Ahmed Saad is a legitimate live-wire and certainly kicked goal of the year so far in 2012. His pace is electric, and given that he has well and truly done is apprenticeship down at Preston/Northern Bullants, it makes it even sweeter that he wasn’t picked up by Carlton as he was operating in their reserves team. Also loved seeing Milne getting in the faces of the opposition, and I dont understand why players don't do this more often across the league

3. Midfield Grunt Work:

Probably the most pleasing area of our game. Typically renowned for the usual suspects completing all the tight, in and under 1%’ers, teams have previously shut us down simply by tagging Montagna and/or Dal Santo out of the game. Whilst early days Jack Steven will be named our most improved player in 2012, and may well win the best and fairest. This bloke is fast becoming my favourite player at the club and is well on his way to being the next Lenny and is most certainly doing his gracing of the #3 proud. Pace, Putting his head-over the footy and great kicking are just some of qualities. He is still young (22) yet has the class of someone much older, and I believe he will be a future champion of the club, perhaps I’m slightly getting ahead of myself.

The game in Perth is critical. We have seen North Melbourne beat Geelong, and then go over the Subi and get brought back down to earth with a thud. We can’t afford that to happen, and even though we’re only coming off a 6, compared to 8 day rest for West Coast, it is very pleasing to know that we still have McEvoy, Fisher, Gwilt, Ledger all to still come back into the squad.

It may only have been one game, however I believe it is the best that we have played in well over 12 months.

 

[Squizz]

I would think with the back to back to back 6 day breaks the younger guys like Siposs and perhaps Saad may be rotated.

Seems very sensible.

Cripps, Newnes, Ledger, Peake and Polo should all come into calculations to give us the extra run on the big ground.

Whilst controversial, Armo should be rested. He has blown up over there before. Remains a key player in wet weather, and a valuable type at Etihad (and other smaller grounds where there are plenty of contests). Even a guy like Jack, who has had dodgy groins and is more a 20m burst player (rather than the 50m rangy runner more suited to Subi) should be looked at for a rest - or at least played in the Saad role.

It should be horses for courses, and take account of the shortened break. I'll be disappointed if Watters doesn't take the opportunity to keep the guys fresh whilst recognising we have the depth.

 

[IllBeTheJudge]

I have always believed, St.Kilda at their best means the opposition don't play at their best because they are constantly under pressure.

It's always the way really isn't it. Team A only ever plays as Team B allows them to

 

[Half Back Pocket]

Seems very sensible.

Cripps, Newnes, Ledger, Peake and Polo should all come into calculations to give us the extra run on the big ground.

Whilst controversial, Armo should be rested. He has blown up over there before. Remains a key player in wet weather, and a valuable type at Etihad (and other smaller grounds where there are plenty of contests).

It should be horses for courses, and take account of the shortened break. I'll be disappointed if Watters doesn't take the opportunity to keep the guys fresh whilst recognising we have the depth.

Agree Squiz, Armo to spell for Ledger. Did we sustain any injuries?

Is Jack bringing the true "Rover" back into vogue. He reminds me of a young Johhny Platten. Who is the last Rover to play with any success?

 

[Axcellence]

1. Don't write players off so easily. I wrote off Ray after that silly sub role against Port and wasn't sold on Saad after last week's sub. Basically, other than Cripps, St Kilda doesn't do sub that well. I am sure that Sipposs will do much better when and if he gets on to start the game on the field.

2. Loved Milne, Saad & Milera. Absolutely terrorised Carlton's defense. Gibbs/Joseph will have nightmares.

3. In the past couple of weeks, I've been on Stanley's case. He didn't look like a forward who delivered to me. He's done well yesterday - despite Kreuzer kicking goals. I still think Wilkes did well despite not kicking goals (the first / 2nd goal was due to his tackling in the backline). When McEvoy gets back, it'll be interesting to see whether its Wilkes or Stanley who goes out.

4. St Kilda is still a chance to make finals. Last night, the team selection and the coaching just fit the round pegs and round holes. The test will be to back it up.

5. St Kilda is still a clearance machine. Just need 1 more strong running midfield player, get fisher/gwilt back and we'd be on a roll.

 

[Dawggin It]

I learned that now Ross Lyon has moved on, Saints' games are once again entertaining to watch.

 

[Joffaboy]

1.Simpkin so composed.People compare him to Mazx but I think his disposal seems better.
2.Blake is all heart. Some of the things I saw him do last night was the selfless acts that has typified his career and the reason he has outstayed 4 coaches while at the Saints.

3. Unlike the Carlton squibs, Dal got tagged but didn't drift out of the game. Did a lot of 1%'s and contributed. Broke the tag (when back for a while) and got a lazy 10 possies in the fourth.

4. I would hate Milnes guts if I wasn't a Saints supporter . That celebration when he kicked his third would have given me the right royal shits.

5. We have got some speed in Milera, Saad, Jones, Stanley,Steven and even Ray. Saints were never slow, but more one paced. This extra pace lifts the slower players (example is Kosi and Armo) and gives them more space and they look more mobile

6. Correct me if I am wrong (I usually am) but last night reminded me of Collingwood of 2010, but with some added speed. Watters has tweeked the Pies gameplan and adapted it to the players we have.

7. 19 goals and it could have been well into the 20's.

8. Lenny is a marvel, Jack coming on, Armo gets better and looked like a cross between Luke Ball and Nathan Burke with his banadages last night.

9. Roo, Kosi, and even Wilkes contested and broke packs, with Saad, Milne and Milera at their feet, it was a good mix.

10. The breakaway goal from Saad to Stanley who put on the afterburners was the most exciting play I've seen from the Saints for a number of reasons. The coast to coast play, the great work of Saad, the absolute desperation of Stanley to sprint virtually the length of the field, the fact that both players have played a handful of games for the Saints and the sheer SPEED of our two new players.

11. Stanley. Beaten in the ruck, average for three quarters, takes a great mark in the fourth, misses from 15 metres out. Does he drop his head? No he scores the breakaway goal, and then retrieves a ground ball and snaps truly from 45 metres out. When this kid realises that he is the real deal LOOK OUT.

12. Carlton are front running pretenders who acted tough, but were squibbs all night. Loved seeing that head case Robinson throwing he weight around early then get his ugly bonce smashed into the Etihad turf and then get caught by Roo for holdign the ball. w***er of the highest order, a Campbell Brown wannabee

13. Bryce Squibbs and Marc Murphy need to take a leaf out of Steven and Armo's book and watch their master midfielder in Judd as they do Lenny. lok listen and learn.

14. Milera - very good, but must learn to get rid of the pill inside the back fifty, got caught twice last night, otherwise apart from that he is an exciting prospect.

15. We are not yet done.

 

[LordJimmy]

I wouldn't be surprised if Sipposs is carrying some sort of injury. He doesn't seem to have his usual pace and presence. I know he's good. I've seen it. Perhaps it would be better for his development right now to be bubbling in the VFL instead...

 

[LordJimmy]

Fantastic win guys...
Just a question a bit off topic, What did you think about Monday night football?

You may not have noticed it on the TV, but nearly the entire second level (premimum seating) was a grey sea of corporates. For nearly 40k the atmosphere was really lacking an edge. I was disappointed. The usual rowdy Saints showing would have blown the roof off the place during that third quarter.

 

[bungee]

Great game last night guys. Very impressed with your team effort. A solid game plan very well executed. Great to see the Blues spanked hard and a reminder to other teams that the Saints are far from a spent force. Plenty of vintage talent on the list and a surprisingly good crop of younger players.

Well done.

 

[HoldenMCaulfield]

I wouldn't be surprised if Sipposs is carrying some sort of injury. He doesn't seem to have his usual pace and presence. I know he's good. I've seen it. Perhaps it would be better for his development right now to be bubbling in the VFL instead...

I highly doubt that. If he is carrying an injury, he would not be selected - after all, while he has enormous potential, he is not a Hayes, Goddard or Riewoldt.

I agree with Squizzy (apart from his occasional views on Kosi and his general views on soccer, I typically do) in that while he is a fantastic kick, he does not seem switched on playing in the AFL where huge talent isn't everything.

The future should be his, but maybe not this year just yet.

 

[Falchoon]

Blake to Lynch
Simpkin on Darling
Dempster on Hill

Good call

 

[The Punter]

Siposs will play next week because he was the sub this week, and therefore should be fresh for the six day break.

Saad was the sub against Hawthorn ... I actually think the blokes likely to be rotated for a week to get them through the 6-6-6 day breaks are Milera, Stanley & Simpkin.

 

[saintersown]

No sippos wont because schniedermens back, stanley as sub? yes and im the king of france. Simpkin as sub? doubt it hes a gun down there. Milera, yes probably, hes speed would be a huge impact halfway through a match vs a bunch of tired Wet Toast.

Just to make a few memories pop up in ur heads... lennys side steps r AMAZING... Jack stevens speed is unbelievable, roo shooda kicked 3 in the opening.... saad completely unselfish, gave away 2 certain goals to teamates,

 

[goodie23]

As stated Kennedy is gone, as are LeCras, Embley and Nicoski.

Blake to Lynch
Simpkin on Darling
Dempster on Hill

I think that we can hold them to a pretty low score and counter punch for a win.

Simpkin's homework:

Hello darling

 

[LordJimmy]

Simpkin vs. Darling sounds like an absolutely delicious match up.

 

[TassieSaint]

Farren Ray is a best 22 player in any side in the AFL when fit, that's the main thing I learnt. Easy to forget him and Gwilt have been preparing for a comeback for a couple of weeks now.

It would be nice to see how our best 22 goes when all on the park, as soon as we are getting Ray and Gwilty back Fish and McEvoy going down. Still have Schneiderman to come back too.

 

[saintsrfreak]

I'd much rather see Ray play than Polo, that's for sure

 

[mysainters]

So Farren took a massive paycut to stay at St Kilda, didn't make the Rd 1 side, yet still worked his butt off.



Good culture we have brewing there huh.

 

[bluejay]

Probably even more intense, he came on about half way through the third? Just as Carlton started their comeback and were really banging in and the whole game lifted a notch

Agree it seemed to take a little while for him to gauge the speed of the game, but seemed to go a little better in the last

Actually, he came on at the early stages of the 4th.

 

[bluejay]

Siposs will play next week because he was the sub this week, and therefore should be fresh for the six day break.

Saad was the sub against Hawthorn ... I actually think the blokes likely to be rotated for a week to get them through the 6-6-6 day breaks are Milera, Stanley & Simpkin.

I agree with you regarding the subs being the youngsters during the 6-6-6 day breaks, except for Stanley. I doubt Stanley is the sub while McEvoy is still out. We definitely need him.

 

[Leowey23]

Ive been very impressed with how Gears has been taking his time with the footy this year and waiting for the best option before kicking/handballing, definately deserves to keep his spot this week.

 

[Hammers_Saints]

Did anyone else hear whether there was a fire drill in the Carlton cheer squad?

Also, when you win Monday night football it sets up your week so beautifully

SAINTERS

 

[Fehring]

1. We finally have a team that can beat Essendon.
2. Carlton are funny.
3. Sippos didn't work as a sub. Either he or Wilkes is probably heading back to Sandy.
4. There's a big shadow over Sam Gilbert. It's called Sam Fisher.
5. I was so right about Ray.
6. I was so wrong about Blake.
7. WC will feel the thunder.