St Kilda Coach Alan Richardson says his side is preparing for three-time Coleman Medallist Lance Franklin to be at his match winning best at the SCG on Saturday night.
On the back of a best on ground performance against cross-town rivals Greater Western Sydney last weekend, the Swans superstar has kicked the most goals in the competition this season with 47.45 to his name from 16 games.
Off-season acquisition Nathan Brown was assigned the task of quelling Franklin when the two sides met in Round 9. The former Collingwood premiership full back held Franklin to just one goal in over three quarters, before the two-time premiership Hawk cashed in late in the piece, kicking three last quarter goals.
The former Collingwood premiership full back held Franklin to just one goal in over three quarters, before the two-time premiership Hawk cashed in late in the piece, kicking three last quarter goals.
“We plan for his best and he’s in great form; he’s a bit like their team,” Richardson told reporters at Melbourne airport on Friday afternoon before the Saints flew to Sydney.
“He’s an outstanding player; he’s got a great balance of strength and incredible athleticism; he’s as good a
Friday Microscope: Round 18 v Sydney
“We think our big blokes in Brown and [Jake]
“We know that if we don’t get pressure on the footy then it will be even more of a challenge, so that’s our focus to make sure the ball that comes in is untidy.”
After last Friday night’s disappointing loss to Essendon, Richardson said the Saints are determined to make amends in the harbour city this weekend. Although he concedes the task will be very difficult, given Sydney has won nine of their last 10 games.
“They are playing terrific footy there’s no doubt about that. We are coming off a performance we weren’t happy with so it’s a great opportunity to respond against a quality opponent,” Richardson said.
“We’re planning to come up against a Sydney team that’s in outstanding form. We know what we’re up against and we know we’ll have to be really strong to be competitive to be in the game to give ourselves an opportunity to win.”
St Kilda made five changes at the selection table on Thursday night, recalling a host of contested ball winners, along with a debutant in mature-age rookie Rowan Marshall.
Ruckman Billy Longer has overcome a minor hamstring strain, defender Jimmy Webster comes back in after serving a two-game suspension, while midfielders Luke Dunstan and Blake Acres have been recalled from the VFL to combat the Swans star studded engine room.
