After a year out of the game and after a difficult start to his time at Linen House Centre, key defender Jake Carlisle repaid the faith in 2017, establishing himself as a crucial cog in St Kilda’s back six.
The former Essendon swingman played all 22 games in his first proper season, reaching the century against Richmond in St Kilda’s stunning win at Etihad Stadium in Round 16.
Alongside former Collingwood premiership full back Nathan Brown, the pair tamed the opposition monsters, while helping propel rebounding defenders like Dylan Roberton and Jimmy Webster into career-best seasons.
Following such a long absence from football, it took Carlisle a little bit of time to pick up the pace. But just like former teammates Michael Hurley, Michael Hibberd and Paddy Ryder, who all returned from suspension to produce career-best years, Carlisle demonstrated his class in 2017.
The 25-year-old was one of the Saints’ most consistent performers this season and is set to feature prominently in next month’s Trevor Barker Award.
Performance of the year:
Round 19 v Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval: 16 disposals, nine spoils, eight intercept marks, eight contested possessions and six rebound 50s + eight coaches votes
Alan Richardson’s views:
“With his ability to not only defend his own man but help his teammates defend, Jake was a real strength for our team down back,” Richardson said.
“Jake was really keen to come in and earn respect through his actions.
“He was able to achieve that on and off the field through his dedication to his preparation, his commitment to his teammates, and through his performance on game-day.
“We’ve all seen the talent Jake possesses and he is entering the age demographic where players usually play their most consistent footy, but there was the unknown of how he would go after such a long period out of the game.
“We weren’t surprised by the level of football he was able to play, but when you factor in the break, it probably exceeded our expectations to get 22 games at that standard out of him.”
The numbers:
22 games
14.4 disposals
7.5 intercept possessions
6.0 marks
2.3 rebound 50s
