Justin Koschitzke of St Kilda (R) consoles Nick Riewoldt (C) after the AFL Round 20 match between the Essendon Bombers and the St Kilda Saints at the Docklands Stadium. Slattery Images
When teams are announced later today, there’s a good chance – for the first time in three months – Nick Riewoldt’s name will feature. For St Kilda fans, seeing their captain added to the group of players that beat Geelong two weeks ago must be a tantalising prospect.
After all, the notion that the wheels would fall off without Riewoldt has been put to bed since his hamstring tear in Round 3.
In fact, the Saints’ ability to defensively strangle opponents seems to have improved and new avenues to goal have opened up.
In that Geelong game, for example, the Cats could not find a goal in the entire second half – when was the last time that happened? – and the Saints’ goal kicking was led by Adam Schneider (with four) and Jack Steven (with three).
So you can understand how adding Riewoldt would get fans excited. If the team can improve so much without him, imagine what they’ll be like with him?
And it’s not easy to come up with reasons to be sceptical of such a view. One would be that coming off such an extended break could see Riewoldt take some time to return to full fitness. Matthew Lloyd expressed this opinion on the AFL website yesterday.
Another would be that perhaps Riewoldt returning will not allow the forwards that have stepped up in his absence to play in the same manner they have been. The impact Barry Hall has had on the Bulldogs’ once-hyped multiple avenues to goal is a comparison you could draw in this respect.
But you feel even if Riewoldt takes time to get back to his best it will be worth it if he’s right come September. You also feel the role he plays so important that it’s better for players around him to adapt to him than vice versa.
Even then, the likes of Schneider and Steven will be able to come out of the past few weeks with a great deal of confidence knowing they were able to step up when needed.
So, right now, there’s a lot to like about St Kilda’s premiership chances.
It will be interesting to see how they handle Steven Baker’s return from suspension, if they allow him to play at all. He’s an important player when it comes to restricting the impact of dangerous opposition forwards – of which both Collingwood and Geelong have. But overall, they are looking as strong a threat as any club.
That’s not an attack on the other contenders, either. The Cats have quite a few stars sidelined by injury, so there’s plenty of scope for improvement in that side between now and September. The Pies have been flying under the radar and seem capable of pulling off a big upset during the finals.
It’s looking like a tight race. It’s looking like the little things that push you closer to a premiership could decide it all.
Which is why Riewoldt’s name on a team sheet – be it later tonight or this time next week – is so important.
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