Farren fitting in at Saints

WHEN St Kilda traded its second-round pick for Farren Ray last year, he was largely expected to be a fringe player that could provide some handy depth for the side.

The former Bulldog has exceeded all expectation, playing all 21 games for his new side as a wing/half back flanker but he says he never had any doubt in his ability.

“I’ve just developed and I think whatever football club I was at, that would be the case. It’s all about consistency now and I’ve got to go to the next level after that" Ray said.

Ray says his role at St Kilda has put more emphasis on his strengths as a footballer.

"I like to think I’m fairly flexible but that hard-running wingman role, trying to roll back and using my marking strength is something that has been really positive this year.

"That is probably my strength and I seem to be able to do that at the Saints,” he said.

Coming to a new group after five years in another team would be daunting for most people but the 23-year-old had no trouble making friends.

“Zac Dawson and I got to the club at the same time so we’ve had a bit to do with each other. I tend to get on with most guys at the club.”

Ray has spent most of his time in the midfield but says he relishes the occasional run in defence.

“There is a lot of trust at the Saints and that is one really positive thing. I feel as though whenever I go back it is either me, Grammy or Brendon Goddard, we take turns going back there and play our role along with blokes like Sam Fisher and Jason Blake.”