St Kilda Coach Alan Richardson believes the club is in a strong leadership position with several senior players taking on greater ownership and responsibility during Nick Riewoldt's short absence.
Riewoldt, who returned to training with the full list on Monday, was given an extended leave period at the end of 2015, while he continued to follow a tailored conditioning and skills program designed by new High Performance Manager Matt Hornsby.
Experienced Saints leaders Leigh Montagna, Jarryn Geary, David Armitage and Sean Dempster have led the way during pre-season, as have emerging leaders Maverick Weller and Jack Newnes, who were voted into the group ahead of last season.
And it’s not only players with official leadership titles who have taken strides during this pre-season. Emerging midfielders Seb Ross and Luke Dunstan are two players Richardson identified as having stepped up during the summer months and appear to be following the path blazed by Weller and Newnes 12 months earlier.
“We’re in really good space with leadership. [Sean]Dempster had a real role in what the program looked like over Christmas. [Jarryn] Geary is a great example to all our players,” Richardson told saints.com.au on Thursday.
“’Joey’ stepped straight back into our program after his tour with the Aussie team against the Irish.
“We’ve got some good leaders that have stepped up – ‘Sebby’ Ross isn’t in that group, [Luke] Dunstan’s not in that group – but are really strong in that space.
“Those different voices have been beneficial, in meetings for example, where ‘Rooey’ is quite a dominant person really, because of his experience and because of his leadership. It’s good that others have had the opportunity to step up there.
“Having said all that, ‘Rooey’s’ quite mindful of that and often encourages others to contribute in a really positive way before he shares his thoughts."
Richardson lauded the pre-season form of midfield trio Ross, Weller and Newnes, not only praising their performances on the track, but their combination of football exploits and leadership. The senior coach also mentioned developing ruckman Lewis Pierce as a player who has stood out during the pre-season thus far.
“Seb Ross has been really impressive – not only with the way he has performed in conditioning and athletic skills, in addition to his footy, but at the leadership camp he was really impressive.
“‘Lewy’ Pierce has been really strong for us. Maverick Weller – one of our younger leaders. ‘Newnesy’ has also been really strong setting a great example (by) inspiring and motivating his teammates – that’s true of both those guys. So there certainly been some strong contributors.”
St Kilda will play its opening NAB Challenge game on February 20 against North Melbourne at Norm Minns Oval in Wangaratta.
