SAINTS veteran Lenny Hayes headed a list of St Kilda players who performed strongly in Sandringham’s 14-point loss to North Ballarat on Saturday.
Hayes played just half the match, and collected only five disposals, but drew plenty of praise from Zebras’ coach Simon McPhee.
“He competed hard inside and did all the things you’d expect him to do, and got through the half unscathed,” McPhee told saints.com.au
The Sandringham coach was particularly pleased with the effect Hayes’s leadership had on the young Zebras.
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“He doesn’t have to say much – just the way he goes about his business speaks volumes. The kids enjoyed playing with him. He was fantastic, to be honest.”
St Kilda coach Scott Watters suggested Hayes remains a good chance to return for the Saints’ clash with the Dockers on Sunday, but made it clear the veteran would not be rushed back before he’s ready.
Hayes wasn’t the only St Kilda listed player to perform strongly in the VFL on the weekend, with small forward Ahmed Saad finding form. Saad kicked five goals, collected 17 possessions and applied plenty of pressure in the Zebras’ forward-line. The small forward fell out of the St Kilda side after playing the first 11 matches of the season.
St Kilda rookie Tom Curren continued his recent run of good form in the VFL, racking up 34 disposals in what his coach described as his best game yet.
“He was really good,” McPhee said.
“He’s racking up big numbers now but I reckon this was probably his best game from an impact point of view. He was striking hard at the ball and using his legs.”
While Curren’s position on the rookie list means he is at this stage ineligible to play for St Kilda, he could be promoted to the senior list should defender Sam Fisher be placed on the Saints’ long-term injury list. Fisher will miss the remainder of the season with a degenerative toe injury.
Josh Saunders, another player on St Kilda’s senior list, performed strongly for Sandringham yesterday, collecting 23 disposals. He has recently spent time playing an inside midfield role, alongside Arryn Siposs, who has also “played a bit inside, just to get him used to the contest”, according to coach Simon McPhee.
Sandringham sits in 11th spot on the VFL ladder, but McPhee remains proud of his young group.
“The boys are slowly improving and our young players are developing.
Our young players are starting to show some leadership, which is the best part. They’re just kids, and they’re playing in a man’s comp.
They’re having to stand up, and they’re going okay.”
NORTH BALLARAT: 17.12 (115) def. SANDRINGHAM 15.10 (100)
Goals: Saad 5, Shepheard 2, Michaliades 2, Cockie 2, Marigliani , Shenton , White , Ong
Best Players: Saad, Curren, Saunders, Barnhoorn, Michaliades, Cockie
