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St Kilda would normally have something to fear in playing Geelong.
Last weekend the Cats handed the Demons a punishing 71-point defeat and arriving in Canberra for tomorrow’s NAB Cup quarter final against the Saints they looked hungry.
But the Saints don’t believe in fear.
St Kilda didn’t train today but arrived in the nation’s capital looking fresh and ready to take on the premiers.
The squad spent the afternoon locked in team meetings before tomorrow’s game that is expected to be played in fine, mild conditions at Canberra’s picturesque Manuka Oval
For one man in particular, the game will hold more importance than the average pre-season match in a town where AFL is rarely played.
After moving from Geelong to St Kilda Charlie Gardiner has a point to prove.
Gardiner was silent today but tomorrow won’t be because the Saints will be without leading men Nick Riewoldt and the evergreen Robert Harvey. Every voice will needed at full volume for the Saints to get up.
But another much anticipated clash, between Mark Blake and another ex-Geelong player in Steven King, won’t be seen at Manuka with the Saints opting to rest King.
A Saints club spokesman repeated that, despite persistent rumours, Riewoldt is at full fitness but would not be risked in a NAB Cup game.
For the premiers, it is a game free of the pressure of the season proper and a chance to stretch the legs.
There have been major changes made to the Cats’ squad with a host of premiership stars, including captain Tom Harley and Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel rested.
Tom Lonergan will continue his return from that contest 18 months ago that left him without his right kidney. He’ll be joined by rookies Jeremy Laidler and ruckman Shane Mumford.
The winner of the game will play the victor of tonight’s Western Bulldogs-Essendon clash at the Telstra Dome.
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