SSP train with

[saint6709]

Have we not invited anyone to train ?

we have 2 spare spots and a GLARING need for a ready to go KPD - so it surprises me no one ‘speculative’ is training

We have ( seemingly) done very well in the mid season draft but we’ve also done very well I think with the ‘train with ‘ and draft and we in my opinion have a very real need right now for a kpd who is ready to play - so I’m surprised we don’t have anyone invited to train - is it just me thinking this way ?

[saynta]

Have we not invited anyone to train ?

we have 2 spare spots and a GLARING need for a ready to go KPD - so it surprises me no one ‘speculative’ is training

We have ( seemingly) done very well in the mid season draft but we’ve also done very well I think with the ‘train with ‘ and draft and we in my opinion have a very real need right now for a kpd who is ready to play - so I’m surprised we don’t have anyone invited to train - is it just me thinking this way ?

It would appear to be the case.

[Saints58]

Will we invite some player to train in the new year as do defiantly need a KPD who is ready now I hope we are not relying on Allison and Joyce and Battle who is very inexperienced as is Adams and Highmore. Wilkie is about the only experienced defender of any size left apart from Dougal and Wilkie is only 191 so he is not big.
It would be really disappointing if Dougal went down and we didn't have a replacement and it cost us a place in the finals another wasted season and it would have been easy to fix.

[mad saint guy]

It's pretty crazy isn't it?

Out:

Carlisle
Frawley
Clavarino
Roberton

In:

Adams


Leaves our (AFL ready) KPD stock as Howard, Wilkie, Battle, Joyce. And I'd argue that Battle and Wilkie aren't genuine key defenders. Then I suppose there's Allison, and they don't seem to mind playing Coffield and Highmore on bigger, stronger opposition either.

Definitely hope we pick up a senior body who could fill in at FB if Howard is unavailable. I don't think Liniert from Port got picked up - he'd be a handy stop gap

[Saintmike65]

Myself and a friend of mine were lucky enough to have a chat with Brett Ratten at training recently...he initiated contact which was nice!
I mentioned to him that out of the 9 players off the playing list from last year, 7 of them are talls.
Surprisingly Brett didn't seem to think we are light on for defensive talls, he seems to think Battle, Highmore, Wilkie, and Howard can get it done.
He also likes Adams but acknowledged he will need to hit the gym...didn't seem too sure about Allison at this stage (reading between the lines).
Word is if there are any train on players, that will happen after Christmas.

[Sanctorum]

One name that hasn't been mentioned as a possible KPD is Mason Wood. I know that since coming to St Kilda Wood has played mainly as a tall forward but I recall that in his early years at North he also played in defence.

Given his excellent 3 km time trial this week and his proven marking and disposal, I believe Mason Wood may well be in contention to fill in down back if one of the troops in that setup goes down. I hope that in the pre-season trial games the coaches give him an opportunity to show what he can do in defence.

[st.byron]

One name that hasn't been mentioned as a possible KPD is Mason Wood. I know that since coming to St Kilda Wood has played mainly as a tall forward but I recall that in his early years at North he also played in defence.

Given his excellent 3 km time trial this week and his proven marking and disposal, I believe Mason Wood may well be in contention to fill in down back if one of the troops in that setup goes down. I hope that in the pre-season trial games the coaches give him an opportunity to show what he can do in defence.

Interesting idea, but I think the real concern is the lack of a 195cm plus player to take on the likes of Hawkins. Wood is only 192, Wilkie 191, Highmore 193, Battle 193. No-one with any experience taller than 193 apart from Howard.

[Wayne42]

Sounds like Ratts is following the Sydney defensive model, they go all right without an abundance of 195cm+ defenders.
In fact, most of their Key Backs are 193cm, except Rampe, he's only 189cm.

[Impatient Sainter]

Sounds like Ratts is following the Sydney defensive model, they go all right without an abundance of 195cm+ defenders.
In fact, most of their Key Backs are 193cm, except Rampe, he's only 189cm.

Most teams dont have huge defenders -

Melbourne - May 193, Lever 195 & Petty 195cm, Tomlinson 194 (inj.)
Richmond - Balta 194, Grimes 195 & Astbury 195 (retired) forgot Robbie Tarrant 196
Bulldogs - Keath 197, Young 198 & Wood 188 (retired), Tim OBrien 193cm

We have Howard 199, Battle 193 Highmore 193, Wilkie 191 & Joyce 195 as a backup are more than capable. Our issue is if we lose Howard can Joyce fill the hole? We do have Coffield 191 & Woods 192 who can both play taller if required. Then we have Allison 195 & Adams 198cms developing.

[Banger9798]

Sounds like Ratts is following the Sydney defensive model, they go all right without an abundance of 195cm+ defenders.
In fact, most of their Key Backs are 193cm, except Rampe, he's only 189cm.

Most teams dont have huge defenders -

Melbourne - May 193, Lever 195 & Petty 195cm, Tomlinson 194 (inj.)
Richmond - Balta 194, Grimes 195 & Astbury 195 (retired)
Bulldogs - Keath 197, Young 198 & Wood 188 (retired), Tim OBrien 193cm

We have Howard 199, Battle 193 Highmore 193, Wilkie 191 & Joyce 195 as a backup are more than capable. Our issue is if we lose Howard can Joyce fill the hole? We do have Coffield 191 & Woods 192 who can both play taller if required. Then we have Allison 195 & Adams 198cms developing.

We do have excellent intercept defenders, with good skills to counter-attack. Howard, Battle, Wilkie, Highmore, Webster, Paton are all good to very good in this department. What we lose in grunt contests we may make up for in counter punch.

[Impatient Sainter]

Agree Banger I guess the club has come to the conclusion that being a solid interceptor is more important than size. I was advocating the club pick up Charlie Dean, but I guess the question is how many key defenders do we need on one list?

I still think we need a tall utility - a player who is ready to play key position or pinch hit in the ruck on the list.

Its interesting what saintmike said on Rattens implied opinion of Allison. I was highly critical of Allison at the start of last season as he played like a 'scared rabbit', however he did improve as the season went on. I still dont see him playing as a key positional player (for which he was recruited), he is just not a bash & crash - high contact player. If he makes it it will be as a tall flanker or wingman IMO, in the mold of his uncle Brett Allison.

[Banger9798]

It's an area of obvious weakness for us.
And clubs will try to isolate our defenders in the square.

It might occasionally turn ugly, but the midfield will have to defend hard to pressure the kicker.

Ben King to CHB?

[CQ SAINT]

I think we are clearly set for Marshall and in particular Ryder to help out across half back.

[saintly]

Saints won't be bringing anyone in till after Xmas

[ace]

Maybe this truly indigenous guy could come in as a father-son player.

[saint6709]

Saints won't be bringing anyone in till after Xmas

Im not sure of the logic behind that - any ideas ?

[skeptic]

Maybe this truly indigenous guy could come in as a father-son player.

Kind of lazy from what I hear
Out late most nights but sleeps a lot during the day
Rubbish diet

Can really get up high though

[Impatient Sainter]

Looks like Ratts may get his tall utility?

https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/st-ki ... 61e052e469

https://sanfl.com.au/league/news/2021-s ... p-50-1-10/

[wally]

Eats roots and leaves…..sex scandal in the making

[George27]

Myself and a friend of mine were lucky enough to have a chat with Brett Ratten at training recently...he initiated contact which was nice!
I mentioned to him that out of the 9 players off the playing list from last year, 7 of them are talls.
Surprisingly Brett didn't seem to think we are light on for defensive talls, he seems to think Battle, Highmore, Wilkie, and Howard can get it done.
He also likes Adams but acknowledged he will need to hit the gym...didn't seem too sure about Allison at this stage (reading between the lines).
Word is if there are any train on players, that will happen after Christmas.

Thanks Mike . I think the comments of Brett, and the structure of the list, confirm that Josh Battle is now seen solely as a defender, rather than a floater .

[Banger9798]

Looking forward to seeing Battle settled into CHB and given a single role to play.
He has 50 games under the belt, and should now mature into a spot. Another year of being a spare parts guy would ruin his development

[St Plugger]

Thanks Mike . I think the comments of Brett, and the structure of the list, confirm that Josh Battle is now seen solely as a defender, rather than a floater .

Perhaps this might be the way it turns out for Josh, but I think he may turn out to be a goal scoring CHB, as he alway's seems to be very keen to get a shot at the big sticks. {"Goose" Maguire was keen on having a shot as well when he was at CHB]

[kosifantutti]

Looks like Ratts may get his tall utility?

https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/st-ki ... 61e052e469

Can’t go wrong with another Hayes.

[Impatient Sainter]

Looks like Ratts may get his tall utility?

https://www.codesports.com.au/afl/st-ki ... 61e052e469

Can’t go wrong with another Hayes.

Yep and although he is 192cms tall he can play anywhere, key forward/back and also holds his own in the ruck. He has a bit of Jason Blake about him.

[st.byron]

Is it Gallagher that's brought the connection to what appears to be a forensic ability to find SANFL gems? Let's hope this fella follows in the footsteps of Wilkie, Sharman and Highmore.