Across the front nine of 2016, Shane Savage has followed up his breakout campaign last season with an even bigger output this year. Like a golfer adding a short game to his work off the tee, Savage has become a more balanced player in the process, building a more defensive mindset to even out his attacking instinct.

With his penetrating right-foot and his ability to hit targets better than most, the rebounding defender has been one of Alan Richardson’s most consistent performers at the midway point of the year.

Savage, 24, is averaging more disposals than at any time of his career at 23.5 per game (ranked 5^th at St Kilda), and using the ball at an elite efficiency rate of 86.1 per cent. Of the 66 players in the game averaging more touches than him, none have a cleaner efficiency rate. He is also averaging 431.8 metres gained per week (ranked 25^th in the AFL) to further emphasise his potency on transition.

Savage: Belief on the road must improve

“I’m pretty happy with my consistency at the moment. I think I’ve got that balance right this season between defending my man and then attacking off there. It’s nice to get a bit of ball and then attacking off there and play my role,” Savage told Melbourne radio station RSN on Thursday morning.

“I’d probably say it is (most consistent season). Last year was a pretty consistent season in my eyes. I’ve probably taken another step this year. I probably reckon it is my best season so far.”

Ahead of Sunday’s encounter with the in-form Carlton, who have won six of their last seven games, Savage says the Saints will need to improve their work around the ball if they are going to take the game up to the Blues.

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“It definitely starts in the midfield. We know that they’ve been really strong in there the last couple of weeks – [Matthew] Kreuzer’s in good form, [Bryce] Gibbs as well, they’ve got [Ed] Curnow in there,” Savage said.

“Winning contested ball, the clearances and getting it inside our 50 is going to be really important. We know they’re in good form, we’re going to have to bring our A game if we’re going to compete.”

Savage is confident injured key defender Hugh Goddard will make a strong comeback after the 19-year-old ruptured his Achilles tendon against the Crows, ruling him out for the season and for the next 12 months.

“He’s an ultimate professional for a young fella. He’ll get his body right. I think he goes in for surgery tonight. He’s going to have a long stint on the sidelines, but I think he’s going to be alright in the end,” Savage said.

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