Young St Kilda defender Jimmy Webster has burst out of the blocks this year after rediscovering confidence in his body, says Saints skipper Jarryn Geary.
The 23-year-old missed the entire second half of last season with recurring hamstring strains, but after a full summer on the track and renewed faith in his body, Webster has got off to a strong start to 2017.
After collecting 21 disposals, four rebound 50s and three inside 50s against Brisbane in Round 3, the Tasmanian finished with 25 touches on Easter Sunday and cut the Pies apart with his precise left foot, going at an elite efficiency rate of 92.3 per cent by foot.
Geary said the hard-nosed half-back is playing with more confidence and is also not getting beaten in one-on-one contests. Webster has won or neutralised every one-on-one contest he has been in this season.
Monday Wash-Up: Round 4 v Collingwood
“I’m really rapt for him. He’s been able to find a bit of consistency this year which he probably hasn’t had the last couple of years with his body at times,” Geary said on 3AW Football on Easter Monday.
“He’s in great form, he’s playing with confidence with is something he’s probably lacked over the last couple of years. His first four games have been really promising.
“He saved a few of our bums (against Collingwood) on the odd occasion and he’s done that all year. It’s really good seeing him playing some good footy.”
Geary, who was appointed as Nick Riewoldt’s successor in early February, said new leadership group members, Seb Ross and Dylan Roberton, have not only led from the front on the track but have also set the tone with their performances on game day.
“All you want from your leaders is to perform strongly on game day so they can set the example and lead during the week. Seb and Dylan, who have come into the leadership group this year, have both been really good at doing that,” Geary said.
“One who has been really good for us this year and probably our best player in the first four rounds is Dylan Roberton and he’s another one that’s jumped into the leadership group this year.
“We’re hearing from different voices which is good. We’ve heard from ‘Rooey’ and ‘Joey’ for the last ten or so years so the boys hearing from different voices has been really good for them.”
