In my last piece we saw that the Tigers’ unpredictability makes them a nightmare for opposition coaches and supporters. Today we move onto a Saints outfit in year two of their rebuild.
Last season
Several big names left the club at the end of 2013 paving the way for a rebuild. The rebuild started in spectacular fashion, winning the first two games with Nick Riewoldt in scintillating form.
The rest of the season was less spectacular as the Saints claimed the wooden spoon and only collected another two wins, albeit against finals teams. The season wasn’t about collecting wins, though, it was about blooding youngsters.
Luke Dunstan looks to be an absolute star and they found a couple of gems on the rookie list in Cameron Shenton and Eli Templeton. Riewoldt led from the front claiming another best and fairest along with All Australian honours.
Next season
Finishing last came with the perks of prime position in the draft, further enhancing the Saints’ youth stocks. They also managed to add tall forward Tim Membrey from Sydney to provide more support for Riewoldt.
Full seasons from Sam Fisher, Jack Steven and Sam Gilbert will bring leadership on the ground. The Saints will be looking to put even more game time into their young squad with their best 22 changing on a week by week basis. I expect the Saints to finish 16th to 18th with a similar win-loss column to last season.
Who to look out for
Jack Steven had an injury interrupted start to last season but slipped straight into duties from his first game back. He is a tough midfielder who wins the hard ball and also has the ability to hit the scoreboard.
With the retirement of Lenny Hayes the Saints will be looking for a midfield leader. Steven fits the mould with his work rate and thirst for the contest. Expect him to win plenty of ball and provide Riewoldt with competition for the best and fairest.
Needs a big year
The Saints used their compensation pick from Brendon Goddard’s departure to seal WAFL goal machine Tom Lee. Praised for his supreme shot skills, the Saints had hoped he’d be their next big forward, but injuries and form have limited his time in the senior team.
He has shown glimpses that suggest he is up to AFL standard but at other times he has looked lost. With an inexperienced list the ball won’t be delivered on a platter so Lee will have to improve his work rate to find his own ball and get to contests. The arrival of Tim Membrey and talls through the draft mean this as a crucial year for Tom Lee.
Best 22
FB: Roberton, Delaney, Dempster
HB: Fisher, Bruce, Gilbert
C: Ray, Steven, Newnes
HF: Dunstan, Riewoldt, Armitage
FF: Templeton, Membrey, Billings
R: Longer, Montagna, Weller
I: Shenton, Hickey, Savage, Ross
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