Spluttering Saints can still find some steam
The Age, Rohan Connolly
May 28
Sometimes a mid-season break can derail a side just when it's building a nice head of steam. And on some occasions, it's perfectly timed. And when the bye rounds start next week, that's what it will be for St Kilda.
A fortnight ago, the Saints had just won their fifth game from six, were 5-3 and on points, equal fourth on the ladder. But to say the last two games have delivered a reality check would be an understatement.
Coach Alan Richardson could gild the lily and point out that the subsequent two losses have been to last season's grand finalists. Fortunately for the Saints, he's too smart for that.
The reality is that St Kilda is now 10th at 5-5, and facing a season-defining month after the break, taking in what is currently the toughest task in football, Adelaide away, a North Melbourne to whom they've lost on the last six occasions, Gold Coast then a second road trip to Perth to play Fremantle. It gets arguably harder still after that.
Boyd's advice for fellow No.1 pick McCartin
foxsports.com.au, Sarah Olle
May 29
Tom Boyd and Paddy McCartin are similar in more ways than one.
Both key forwards were No. 1 draft picks, selected just a year apart.
And both have chafed under the surveillance of being touted as the next big thing.
In 2016, however, Boyd transformed from whipping boy to premiership hero.
In the eyes of Western Bulldogs fans — not to mention their president Peter Gordon — the former Giant was worth every cent of his lucrative contract.
McCartin may not have the million dollar chip on his shoulder, but the pressures that come with being a No. 1 draft pick have certainly not evaded him.
The Geelong Falcons product has vacillated in and out of a St Kilda side that has won as many games as it has lost this season.
Promising Paddy
afl.com.au, Jennifer Phelan
May 27
The Saints were also smaller than usual in attack with Nick Riewoldt missing with bone bruising in his knee and Josh Bruce still in the VFL. Their absence gave Paddy McCartin space to shine, and he moved with intent early with strong leading runs and ventures up the ground. He was picked up by Marcus Adams when deep, and despite a few nervous moments - notably when he dropped a sitter of a mark in the third quarter – he was involved in three scoring assists including a handpass that found Jade Gresham at the start of the second half and resulted in a goal. He kicked just one himself with nine minutes left in the game from 50m out, but it was an encouraging nine-mark performance from the 21-year-old who is still trying to find his place and seemingly settle his nerves at AFL level.
He was picked up by Marcus Adams when deep, and despite a few nervous moments - notably when he dropped a sitter of a mark in the third quarter – he was involved in three scoring assists including a handpass that found Jade Gresham at the start of the second half and resulted in a goal.
He kicked just one himself with nine minutes left in the game from 50m out, but it was an encouraging nine-mark performance from the 21-year-old who is still trying to find his place and seemingly settle his nerves at AFL level.
