St Kilda Intra-Club Training Report By Andrew de Hoedt (with thanks to Mal Padgett) Saints Footy A large crowd of around 2,000 braved the hot weather to support the players through a solid work out at Linen House Centre. Gilbert, Riewoldt, Hayes , Lee and Schneider did not train. The boys had a bit of a warm-up and then played four 17 minute quarters in what started off as warm conditions but became very tough as the mercury rose. One team wore the NAB Challenge Stickman Guernsey (which the fans love and they will be available soon) and the other team wore Sandringham jumpers. Some players swapped teams at the quarterly breaks. Rhys Stanley and Tom Hickey were both good in the ruck with Billy Longer and US rookie Jason Holmes playing some time in the ruck and around the ground. Hickey went forward and kicked a couple of goals. The one area that was definitely not at its best was the kicking for goal. A lot of behinds were kicked from set shots. Beau Maister was very strong up forward with some strong grabs. The new defenders in Josh Bruce and Luke Delaney, along with Tom Simpkin and Cam Shenton worked on their defensive structure. Shenton looked very comfortable in defence. Holmes took a couple of nice mark and kicked a 40m drop punt to the cheers of the crowd. Jarryn Geary was tough and hard at the ball. Sean Dempster showed usual solid form. Farren Ray and Clint Jones were standout players. Jack Steven showed pure class in several passages of play as did David Armitage. It was strange to see Tom Curren in Dal’s old number but once he gets given the responsibility he will rise. Shane Savage was very good and will be a great addition to the midfield in the mode of Leigh Montagna and he kicked a good running goal from 50. Leigh Montagna himself kicked a trademark 40 metre goal on the run from the boundary which was the highlight of the game. Seb Ross played as an inside midfielder moving forward. Mav Weller and Luke Dunstan are solid units and it won’t be long before Weller gets promoted to the senior list. Paul Roos seemed to be taking in the sights of Seaford and maybe some notes on our list. Sam Dunell looked like a player who can transition from half back to half forward. Sam Fisher enjoyed the run and said to me after the game that he was happy to start the season fit and ready to go. Trent Dennis-Lane showed a bit and chipped in for a couple of goals. Josh Saunders also kicked a Milney type goal after getting the handball from Hickey. Eli Templeton (with the Heppell hair) showed a lot of desire and determination for the ball and looks a good type. Luke Billings made a nice intercept in the forward line and kicked a good goal. Arryn Siposs made a good lead for a mark inside 50. After the game the players met with the fans who braved the heat. The club took a Members’ Publicity shot with the young kids at the front with the players so that should be on the website soon. Then Alan Richardson had his media conference and the players signed autograph for the adoring fans. I got to speak to Lenny, Jason, Farren and Dylan. They were all very interested in the sponsorship and our page. There were a lot of SF people there and I apologise if I couldn’t spend a whole lot of time with you. It was a very good day for the fans and I think most people would have come away feeling positive about the work ethic and intent of the players. They are committed and ready for 2014. I hope that those supporters, who haven’t bought a membership, please get behind our boys. These are the times when we need real support.
Posted on: Sat, 08 Feb 2014 04:15:07 +0000