Evolving back six looks the goods
One thing is clear after Thursday night: St Kilda is going to be far more capable of restricting the influence of big-bodied key forwards in 2017. The inclusion of Jake Carlisle and Nathan Brown has instantly strengthened the Saints back six. Not only did they nullify their direct opponents, with Brown completely shutting out Power monster, Charlie Dixon, they allowed the likes of Dylan Roberton, Sam Gilbert and Sean Dempster to play with far more freedom than last year. Roberton was one of the most influential players at Etihad Stadium, dropping off his man to influence contests before driving the Saints out of the back half. The defensive facelift at Linen House Centre may only be in the early stages, but it already looks more refined.
Dunstan off and running in 2017
In the dying minutes of St Kilda’s comprehensive win over Carlton in Round 20 last season, Luke Dunstan went down with a second major shoulder injury in the space of two years. The ensuing reconstruction confined him to a modified program over his fourth pre-season, but it appears to be a blessing in disguise. While he is one of the more pure footballers at the club, the South Australian isn’t quite the best athlete. Forced away from the main group, Dunstan has taken significant strides over the summer with his running reaching new levels. Showing no concerns from the reconstruction, Dunstan put his enhanced tank to good use on Thursday night to be one of the best midfielders on the ground. He finished with 20 disposals (10 contested), seven clearances, six tackles and two goals from 71 per cent game-time.
Key forwards show glimpses of brilliance
While the other end of the ground attracted the lion share of attention in the lead-up and aftermath, the forward half did enough, particularly early, to excite St Kilda supporters. Tim Membrey booted two goals in the first five minutes to resume where he left off last year. The Saints’ leading goalkicker from last season played deep inside 50 while Josh Bruce roamed high between the arcs and Paddy McCartin situated himself between the pair. The three combined well at times, flaunting the danger they present oppositions sides with their diverse skill set. Membrey finished with three majors, Bruce plucked five marks (three contested) and McCartin moved across the ground well. So while the club debuts of Carlisle and Brown were exciting, so was the performance of the attacking trifecta.
Steven signals his intent with flying start
Three-time Trevor Barker Award winner Jack Steven began his 2017 campaign at full speed last Thursday night. As part of his program ahead of Round 1, the 26-year-old only played the first half, where he amassed 21 possessions, four tackles, three inside 50s and three rebound 50s in just 39 per cent game-time. With only 26 days between now and Round 1, Steven appears to be tuning up towards another bumper year in red, white and black. And he wasn’t the only one in the engine room to make a positive impact against the Power. David Armitage (23 disposals and seven inside 50s), Jack Newnes (24 disposals) and Seb Ross (21 disposals and four tackles) all put in strong efforts in the opening game of the JLT Community Series.
