MIDFIELDER Luke Dunstan is set to debut in the side’s round one game against Melbourne on March 22 after an impressive performance against Port Adelaide on Saturday.
The former South Australian under 18 captain gathered 20 disposals, eight clearances and a goal in the practice match, showing his toughness and durability to take on AFL footy at the senior level.
Dunstan was among a host of players that showed encouraging signs for the Saints this year, with St Kilda midfielders Lenny Hayes (26 possessions, two goals), Jarryn Geary (22) and Farren Ray (19 disposals, two goals) also in the Saints’ best.
Port Adelaide vice-captain Brad Ebert was in good touch with 24 disposals and three goals, while second-year player Ollie Wines (23 possessions) and Angus Monfries (21) were also influential.
The Saints got off to a brilliant start overpowering Port on both the scoreboard and in the possession count in the first quarter, registering seven goals to Port’s three and almost doubling their disposals 115 – 65.
David Armitage was dominant up forward, kicking three first-term goals while Jimmy Webster was prominent at half-back.
The home side was far cleaner with the ball in the second term and, although the Saints continued to dominate centre clearances (35-13 at half-time), Port hit back through skipper Travis Boak – the first of four unbeaten goals.
Saints Hayes and Ray found no issues in getting their hands on the ball (14 touches apiece to half-time) and both goaled to keep the Saints in front.
After slotting a remarkable checkside goal in the second quarter, John Butcher's miss from 20m out straight in front in the third term drew sighs of disappointment from a vocal home crowd.
St Kilda had 10 goal kickers at the third quarter break but allowed the Power to get in front for the first time in the game.
The margin threatened to blow out in the final term when Boak and Ebert both kicked goals, but late majors to Hayes and Shane Savage ensured the Saints remained in touch until the final siren to finish nine point winners.
PORT ADELAIDE 3.0 9.1 14.5 18.7 (115)
ST KILDA 7.2 10.5 13.6 16.10 (106)
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Butcher, Ebert 3, Cassisi, Westhoff, Boak, Hartlett 2, Broadbent, White, Young, Wingard
St Kilda: Armitage 3, Riewoldt, Hayes, Savage 2, Dunstan, Ray, Curren, Maister, Stanley, Lee, Minchington
BEST
Port Adelaide: Ebert, Wines, Monfries, Polec, Cornes, Impey
St Kilda: Hayes, Geary, Dunstan, Ray, Armitage, Montagna
INJURIES
Port Adelaide: Nil
St Kilda: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Fleer, Pannell, Ryan
Crowd: 6,000 (approx.) at Alberton Oval
