Tough Dal proves a hard marker

A TEAM-HIGH and equal career-best 38 disposals was still not enough for Nick Dal Santo to be pleased with his overall performance against the Western Bulldogs at Docklands on Saturday night.

Dal Santo, who also had 11 contested possessions, was one of his side's most important players in St Kilda's 45-point win. But when asked post-match how he rated his game, the midfielder was disappointed with some of his play. 

"I didn't I think I actually played that well to be honest," he said, although he did acknowledge that 2009 had been his most consistent season.

"I turned the ball over a few times and had three out of bounds on the full, but we all contributed … it was good to get away with a good win."

The classy Saint was nevertheless delighted his team notched up its 17th consecutive win over the third-placed Dogs.

"It was obviously a huge game – they're playing some really good footy and they have been for the past couple of months," Dal Santo said.

"It was good that we were able to play some good football again.

"It was definitely a quick game. The Bulldogs are renowned for their quickness and run and throughout the game, they did that in patches and caught us off guard a bit. I thought our pressure and team enthusiasm was pretty good."

Asked what it was like to be involved in a remarkable 17 straight wins, Dal Santo said it was not dissimilar to some other seasons with the Saints.

"Internally, it's not too different to previous years," he said.

"Because we're there at the club every day, we still go through the process each week, so the hype doesn't get too excited within the club.

"Obviously we have a good time and there is a time to relax, but we're still training everyday, so our preparation doesn't change whether we win or lose.

"It's been a great year so far, but we realise there is a long way to go."

As for what have been the major reasons for St Kilda's stellar year, Dal Santo said maturity, consistency and improvement had all played a key part.

"But overall it's probably a package [of reasons] that's got us across the line," he said.