With the JLT Community Series coming to an end in Albury on Sunday night, St Kilda Captain Jarryn Geary is confident the Saints have laid the right foundations to launch from this season.
After wins over Port Adelaide and Carlton, followed by a positive performance against Sydney in southern New South Wales, St Kilda has built some momentum ahead of their season opener against Melbourne in 12 days time.
In difficult conditions at Lavington Sports Ground, St Kilda overcame a slow start to challenge last year’s grand finalists across the second half, before eventually falling three points short.
“I think we were pretty positive. Sydney have been a really good side for a long time and we’ve struggled against them over the last few years and even though it was a JLT game we took some really positive steps I thought and we’ve got a lot of momentum heading into Round 1,” Geary told saints.com.au on Sunday night.
“The first game against Port Adelaide, we started really well but probably didn’t play that well for the final three quarters. Last week we were pretty good for the whole four quarters and tonight against a really solid Sydney Swans outfit we thought we showed some signs. We’re looking forward to Round 1 now; it’s what you play for to play the real stuff.”
Geary said he didn’t envy Alan Richardson and the match committee’s selection headaches ahead of Round 1, with a range of players fighting for only a few roles against the Demons.
St Kilda ruckman Tom Hickey pressed his case for a Round 1 berth following a dominant display against Sydney pair Sam Naismith and Darcy Cameron.
While Sean Dempster played for Sandringham on the weekend and Leigh Montagna hasn’t featured yet due to a calf strain, but both still remain in the mix for Round 1.
“I wouldn’t want to be in ‘Richo’s’ shoes come selection Round 1. We’re in a really good position list wise so whoever plays Round 1 will have to play well because blokes will be knocking down the door for Round 2,” Geary said.
“I think we had Sean Dean Dempster running around for Sandringham yesterday – he’s been a great player for a long time; I’m sure he’ll be putting up his hand for selection.
“Tom Hickey had a really good hit out tonight, Billy Longer’s been in great form (during the pre-season).
“Leigh Montagna is probably putting his hand up to play in Round 1 so it’s probably a headache for the coaches but it’s a really good one to have.”
