ST KILDA ruckman Michael Gardiner could be a valuable unknown in the Saints' finals campaign this year, according to coach Ross Lyon.
The Saints have marched into their eighth finals campaign in nine years, with Gardiner playing his first match of the season in Saturday night's win over Carlton.
He was substituted out early in the third quarter for Farren Ray but Lyon said he could be a valuable asset against a Swans ruck brigade headed by Shane Mumford.
"I thought it was a point of difference, I thought he was really good in the centre bounces and his spread. We all know Sydney's ruck work is their strength so that gives us an option there for sure," Lyon said after the game.
Lyon said the Saints had only planned to give Gardiner roughly half a game after missing most of the season with a knee injury. He was impressed with how he performed in his first senior match of the season as well as the flexibility he gave the line-up.
"We were always going to sub him out not long after when we did. We thought the run and the fact we didn't use it well played in our hands but it's interesting that when Zac (Dawson) was forward, we had three talls at one point," Lyon said.
"We needed the run and Michael got the minutes we were expecting him to get so he'll build and then we'll make a decision. I thought he was really good, to be honest. You saw his talent on show, he's a very talented player who has been cruelled by injury but it was a special night."
Lyon, who famously referred to last year's finals series as just an extra round, said that philosophy would continue into this campaign.
"Clubs don't prepare any more because it's a final. That just means you're taking a short cut through the home and away season. It makes you acutely aware you need to perform because there is no next week. They're the pressures, finals are about dealing with the pressures," he said.
St Kilda's win means it will meet the Swans at its home ground Etihad Stadium on Saturday night rather than having to travel to Sydney.
Lyon admitted that possibility acted as an incentive but the venue would not dictate the result.
"We mentioned it during the week that that is the reward but we talk about what needs to be done," he said.
"Make no assumptions, just because it is a home final doesn't mean you're going to bring what's required. Don't assume anything, roll up your sleeves and get to work, there's no guarantees, let's see where it takes you."
Luke Holmesby covers St Kilda news for afl.com.au. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_LHolmesby
