St Kilda’s Nick Riewoldt & Justin Koschitzke, Collongwood’s Simon Prestigiacomo and Nathan Brown in action during the AFL Round 07 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the St Kilda Saints at the Docklands Stadium. Slattery Images
St Kilda’s reaction when the siren sounded on Sunday afternoon was typical of a team with its eye on the bigger prize. The Saints may have defeated the giants of the competition in an epic battle, but there was no fanfare.
There were smiles wiped across the faces of some, while others looked exhausted, yet relieved that the energy-sapping top-of-the-table clash was over.
Final-quarter hero Michael Gardiner showed little emotion.
He kicked four goals for the game and his career is back on track, after it appeared gone just a short-time ago. If anyone deserved to over-celebrate, it was him.
After copping a barrage of criticism early-on, coach Ross Lyon has this team beaming. Captain Nick Riewoldt is leading by example and believes the Saints can improve on their display against the Cats.
They have an unblemished record this season, and a percentage of 170.44. They are also, statistically, the best defensive team in the competition.
It may have been a predictable statement from Riewoldt, but football is all about attitude and desire. The latter should not be a problem for the Saints of 2009, given the club has played regular finals during the past few seasons and have not won a flag since 1966.
The wheel turns quickly in football.
St Kilda has been a model of stability this season, boasting fourteen players who have played every game.
Meanwhile, the corresponding number at Hawthorn is four. The Hawks are clearly struggling to cope with their long-list of injuries after last year’s premiership success.
The Saints are working for each other and, across the ground, they are operating like clockwork.
The defence is miserly, the midfield is classy and the forward line is intimidating. The team’s lesser-lights have also been made to work harder to earn their place.
The resurrection of Gardiner’s career is a triumph for Lyon.
It all adds up to a devastating mix. And, if they continue the form, there will be a few teams looking nervously over their shoulders come September.
There will be no short-cuts for the Saints this year. Nothing but a premiership will be accepted in 2009.
Pippinu
Roar Guru
St Kilda has always been the home of penniless artistes, street walkers, back alley husslers, romanticists and followers of lost causes. Quite simply - the game cannot afford to allow St Kilda to win a premiership - it would make a complete mockery of their well earned reputation as the haunt of all those who have no other place on Earth to call home, in other words, they would lose all stree cred. For the good of the game - St Kilda must not win a premiership - ever!!!!
Luke D'Anello
Guest
Of course they are still a chance. My point was that, at 14-0, it can be easy to get ahead of yourself. And the win was somewhat of a breakthrough for the Saints, yet they reacted as if it were just a normal win. In the past, they may have got carried away.
Brian
Guest
Last year Geelong beat Hawthorn in a tight game in Round 17. It didn't help them much come GF day, why would this year be different for St Kilda. They're a chance but I'd keep my money on Geelong
Kurt
Guest
I tipped the Saints for the flag weeks ago, you all mocked me. I think they have Geelong's measure and 2009 will be their year.