A strong performance against the Dockers saw some valuable moments that will prepare the Saints for the 2025 Season.
St Kilda’s AFLW side got stuck into their second match simulation of the pre-season, taking on Fremantle in Perth at Victor George Kailis Oval on Saturday morning.
Far from the conditions they’re used to at Moorabbin, the Saints dug in deep and delivered a gritty performance full of pressure, resilience and some moments of exciting footy ahead of Round 1 at RSEA Park on Sunday, August 17.
It was a promising response following last week’s first hit out against Geelong, with several key takeaways from some great wet weather footy.
Doc is back
After missing the entire 2024 season with a lingering foot injury, Georgia Patrikios made a statement in her return.
She didn’t take long to make an impact either, kicking the first goal of the day from the top of the 50 and setting the tone with her attacking mindset and physicality across the midfield and forward half.
Her ability to win the footy and push forward gave the Saints a real edge early on and provided a much needed momentum shift on a wet morning in Perth.
Lock ’em in
The defensive pressure from the Saints was a standout all game.
Serene Watson, Jaimee Lambert and Tyanna Smith were relentless as their pressure, structure and dominance through the back put a stop to any momentum Fremantle made.
Intercept marks, composed handball chains and perfectly timed pressure efforts locked the Dockers inside their forward half and allowed the Saints to regain control and move the ball out through the corridor with confidence.
It was a united front from defence through to the mids as the team absorbed pressure, forced turnovers, and controlled the tempo across the day.
The Wardlaw effect
Jesse Wardlaw showcased her contested marking abilities against the Dockers, highlighting her strong presence up forward.
Ranking 2nd in contested marks last season, it was of no surprise she was unstoppable in the air and a constant threat inside 50. Her presence drew attention, created contests, and opened up space for others to go to work.
She was well supported by skipper Hannah Priest, who brought her trademark leadership and presence to every contest which set the tone both in the forward line and through the middle.
Ruck power
Bec Ott showed her versatility and hunger to adapt, stepping into the ruck role and embracing it with force.
Previously known as a key back or forward, Ott was impressive with her tap work and physicality around stoppages, helping give the midfielders first use and shaping key passages of play around the ground.
Her development adds another layer to the Saints' evolving structure heading into the 2025 AFLW Season.
New faces making noise
Seven Saints pulled on the red, white and black for the first time on Saturday, and each made their mark.
Amber Clarke, Lilu Hung, Arianna Clarke, Zoe Besanko, Charlotte Baskaran, Kyla Forbes and Nicola Barr all brought new energy.
Besanko clunked contested marks up forward, Forbes showed her versatility and game sense as a utility, and former No.1 draft pick Nicola Barr was commanding down back as she ran strong defensively and made smart decisions under pressure.
With so much fresh talent coming through, the depth and dynamism of this year’s squad is beginning to shine.
All eyes will look to Round 1 on home turf, when the Saints host the Crows at RSEA Park on Sunday, August 17.
