King an early bandwagon jumper

[saynta]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/ ... 9bb036fd0c

[saynta]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/ ... 9bb036fd0c

"The common criticism is the lack of “A-grade” talent on the list. It’s always been a chicken and the egg discussion, as most talent is only recognised when teams are having success.

Jade Gresham, Jack Steven, Seb Ross, Jack Billings, Dylan Roberton and, to a lesser extent, Jack Sinclair, Tim Membrey and Hunter Clark have the immediate potential to spike into “A-grade” discussions. Dan Hannebery’s credentials speak for themselves as a three-time All‑Australian, so clearly he has that capability to again be elite.

I don’t believe the Saints lack talent, nor does anyone at St Kilda.

The system last season didn’t allow for these types to be the best version of themselves. Game style and method alterations have taken place and fresh intel injected, most notably Brett Ratten.

The desire to pressure the opposition has been the hallmark of Richardson’s coaching. It’s evident in the true midfield, but non-existent in the forward half. Adjustments have been made and a more effective forward 50 personnel grouping will not be as cumbersome, or as sporadic with their endeavour."

[Saintmatt]

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/ ... 9bb036fd0c

"The common criticism is the lack of “A-grade” talent on the list. It’s always been a chicken and the egg discussion, as most talent is only recognised when teams are having success.

Jade Gresham, Jack Steven, Seb Ross, Jack Billings, Dylan Roberton and, to a lesser extent, Jack Sinclair, Tim Membrey and Hunter Clark have the immediate potential to spike into “A-grade” discussions. Dan Hannebery’s credentials speak for themselves as a three-time All‑Australian, so clearly he has that capability to again be elite.

I don’t believe the Saints lack talent, nor does anyone at St Kilda.

The system last season didn’t allow for these types to be the best version of themselves. Game style and method alterations have taken place and fresh intel injected, most notably Brett Ratten.

The desire to pressure the opposition has been the hallmark of Richardson’s coaching. It’s evident in the true midfield, but non-existent in the forward half. Adjustments have been made and a more effective forward 50 personnel grouping will not be as cumbersome, or as sporadic with their endeavour."

Thanks for sharing. I read that as code for: -

"our mids are ok at getting it and are ok at stopping the other team from getting it but, when our guys do get it and send it forward - (as it's either too haphazard or not to our forwards' advantage) then the forward group of 2018 were absolutely hopeless at keeping it in there via tackling and harassment".

I'd like to think that Young and Parker will be injected into the mix to redress that. If not - hoping that Lonie will put on 15 kgs and learn how to tackle properly is unlikely to cut it. On the upside - slow as treacle Mav not being in that group in 2019 is instant upside.

[WellardSaint]

Funny seeing King so positive.
He's expecting us to get much better and wants to be on record as being a good judge.

I don't think Sinclair could be A-Grade; he has the skills, but has struggled for consistency.
I think Sincs is one who is borderline as to whether he gets picked, is not a best 22 lock, more like week-to-week.

[evertonfc]

Let's see. Long way to go.

[saynta]

Funny seeing King so positive.
He's expecting us to get much better and wants to be on record as being a good judge.

I don't think Sinclair could be A-Grade; he has the skills, but has struggled for consistency.
I think Sincs is one who is borderline as to whether he gets picked, is not a best 22 lock, more like week-to-week.

At the end of 2017 champion data rated him as elite. The only saints player to be so rated.

[st sandy]

Can anyone with access to Rupert M post the article please.

[satchmo]

David king wrote that? Must have hired a ghost.

[saynta]

Can anyone with access to Rupert M post the article please.

Sure. From the hun

March 5, 2019 12:18pm


"It’s easy to be pessimistic about St Kilda, but that doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. The players, coaches and administration have attacked all facets of the off-season with a point to prove and to confirm the 2018 season was an aberration.

Only 18 months ago the Saints appeared on the same trajectory as Melbourne. In fact, in Round 1, 2017, the Saints led the Demons by four goals at quarter-time, but since then it has been a different story.

The desire for fast football produced fast turnovers, they had a poor read on where they were and paid the price. There’s no hiding from that and coach Alan Richardson certainly hasn’t.


There are reasons, there are alibis, but the Saints aren’t interested in the rear-view mirror any longer. It’s all about 2019 and beyond.

What would need to happen or improve for them to have success, or maybe even push for the finals?
The Saints need potential star Jade Gresham to take the next step. Pic: Getty Images

The common criticism is the lack of “A-grade” talent on the list. It’s always been a chicken and the egg discussion, as most talent is only recognised when teams are having success.

Jade Gresham, Jack Steven, Seb Ross, Jack Billings, Dylan Roberton and, to a lesser extent, Jack Sinclair, Tim Membrey and Hunter Clark have the immediate potential to spike into “A-grade” discussions. Dan Hannebery’s credentials speak for themselves as a three-time All‑Australian, so clearly he has that capability to again be elite.

I don’t believe the Saints lack talent, nor does anyone at St Kilda.

The system last season didn’t allow for these types to be the best version of themselves. Game style and method alterations have taken place and fresh intel injected, most notably Brett Ratten.

The desire to pressure the opposition has been the hallmark of Richardson’s coaching. It’s evident in the true midfield, but non-existent in the forward half. Adjustments have been made and a more effective forward 50 personnel grouping will not be as cumbersome, or as sporadic with their endeavour.

What that becomes in terms of scoreboard influence is anyone’s guess, but it will be better.

Momentum is a crazy thing, but you can see it at training at Moorabbin, it’s evident in the language they’re all using.

Ultimately, we need to see it reflected in the home and away season, but it’s there.

The Saints desperately need on‑field direction and Hannebery brings that in spades.

Add to that the return of Roberton to ensure defensive integrity and things can change quickly.

Gresham and Billings are the trump cards for regeneration. Expect Gresham to play a Dustin Martin-type role, capitalising on his centre bounce clearance craft but also having a centre-forward focus. Maximum damage is his priority.

As the load spreads over a deeper, quicker midfield group, Billings will provide the finishing touches.

A greater understanding of Paddy McCartin’s body, his diabetes and an outstanding preparation points to a breakout season.

I’m bullish about what St Kilda can deliver. I’ve seen the anger through pre-season, but the real stuff is only now on us.

Expect a bounce-back season."

[Dave McNamara]

Can anyone with access to Rupert M post the article please.

Sure. From the hun

March 5, 2019 12:18pm


"It’s easy to be pessimistic about St Kilda, but that doesn’t mean it’s set in stone. The players, coaches and administration have attacked all facets of the off-season with a point to prove and to confirm the 2018 season was an aberration.

Only 18 months ago the Saints appeared on the same trajectory as Melbourne. In fact, in Round 1, 2017, the Saints led the Demons by four goals at quarter-time, but since then it has been a different story.

The desire for fast football produced fast turnovers, they had a poor read on where they were and paid the price. There’s no hiding from that and coach Alan Richardson certainly hasn’t.


There are reasons, there are alibis, but the Saints aren’t interested in the rear-view mirror any longer. It’s all about 2019 and beyond.

What would need to happen or improve for them to have success, or maybe even push for the finals?
The Saints need potential star Jade Gresham to take the next step. Pic: Getty Images

The common criticism is the lack of “A-grade” talent on the list. It’s always been a chicken and the egg discussion, as most talent is only recognised when teams are having success.

Jade Gresham, Jack Steven, Seb Ross, Jack Billings, Dylan Roberton and, to a lesser extent, Jack Sinclair, Tim Membrey and Hunter Clark have the immediate potential to spike into “A-grade” discussions. Dan Hannebery’s credentials speak for themselves as a three-time All‑Australian, so clearly he has that capability to again be elite.

I don’t believe the Saints lack talent, nor does anyone at St Kilda.

The system last season didn’t allow for these types to be the best version of themselves. Game style and method alterations have taken place and fresh intel injected, most notably Brett Ratten.

The desire to pressure the opposition has been the hallmark of Richardson’s coaching. It’s evident in the true midfield, but non-existent in the forward half. Adjustments have been made and a more effective forward 50 personnel grouping will not be as cumbersome, or as sporadic with their endeavour.

What that becomes in terms of scoreboard influence is anyone’s guess, but it will be better.

Momentum is a crazy thing, but you can see it at training at Moorabbin, it’s evident in the language they’re all using.

Ultimately, we need to see it reflected in the home and away season, but it’s there.

The Saints desperately need on‑field direction and Hannebery brings that in spades.

Add to that the return of Roberton to ensure defensive integrity and things can change quickly.

Gresham and Billings are the trump cards for regeneration. Expect Gresham to play a Dustin Martin-type role, capitalising on his centre bounce clearance craft but also having a centre-forward focus. Maximum damage is his priority.

As the load spreads over a deeper, quicker midfield group, Billings will provide the finishing touches.

A greater understanding of Paddy McCartin’s body, his diabetes and an outstanding preparation points to a breakout season.

I’m bullish about what St Kilda can deliver. I’ve seen the anger through pre-season, but the real stuff is only now on us.

Expect a bounce-back season."

Many thanks for that.


Still begs the question though. What duh are we paying TDA (the definite article) $500K-odd p.a. for? Prime draft picks...???
<shakes head in bewilderment emoticon>

[rodgerfox]

The system last season didn’t allow for these types to be the best version of themselves.

Never a truer word has been spoken.

[ctqs]

Don't forget King said we wouldn't win a game a few years ago and then got snarly when we gave it to him after getting the four points in round two or three. He also said this time last year Carlton was closer to a flag than Collingwood. One finished last and the other was a whisker away from the premiership. We don't need his appraisal. The bloke is a fool who should be sacked.

[rodgerfox]

He was hanging s*** on the Saints this morning at a function.

And FWIW, Schwartz tipped us to finish 8th.