It’s no secret that St Kilda’s recent interstate record hasn’t been too flash. But in an attempt to arrest the disappointing run, the Saints have looked to simplify their routine on the road, says Maverick Weller.
A positive performance against Hawthorn in Launceston early last year was overshadowed by blowout losses against West Coast (103-points) at Domain Stadium and Adelaide (88-points) at Adelaide Oval, compounded by an underwhelming effort on the Gold Coast late in the year.
But after spending time across the summer focusing on ways to fine tune their preparation on the road, Weller told radio station EON Sports that St Kilda will look to replicate what they do ahead of games at home, whilst playing away from home.
“We’ve acknowledged that last year our travelling wasn’t great, so we’ve tried a few new things and it’s really just about simplifying the process and letting the boys do what they do at home,” Weller told EON Sports on Thursday morning.
“When you’re away it's quite unique that you’re around the boys all the time and there’s a chance to talk footy the whole time you’re on the trip; coaches are there at your peril and you can sort of do as much as you like.
“We acknowledged that and thought if you’re at home you try and switch off in the morning of the game, you might be with your kids or you might go for a walk with the dog.
“We just really simplified the process and said make sure you do this (pre-game preparation). Do it in your own time – you don’t need anyone with you – if you want to sleep in until 10 do that and we’ll try and accommodate whatever you need for your food.”
On the back of last weekend’s deflating start to the new campaign, Weller said the result was made more disappointing by the reality St Kilda went away from the brand they've developed under the guidance of Alan Richardson.
“It was more disappointing because we didn’t play the way we know we can play,” Weller said.
“We’d been in pretty good form over the JLT series, but full credit to Melbourne they came out and gave us a bit of a touch-up.
“We’ve reviewed the game really strongly and are looking to bounce back this week over in the west.”
St Kilda will travel across to Western Australia on Friday eager to end a seven-game losing streak against West Coast and in search of a win at Subiaco for the first time since 2011.
