St Kilda coach Scott Watters leapt to the defence of Leigh Montagna and Beau Maister who made costly errors late in Sunday’s heartbreaking four-point AFL loss to West Coast.
Montagna missed a running shot for goal from 20 metres out directly in front late in the final term, after ignoring the pleas of experienced teammates Nick Riewoldt and Stephen Milne to handball over the top to them in the goalsquare.
Maister’s mistake was even more costly.
He slipped over at the worst possible moment, allowing his direct opponent Eric Mackenzie to stroll into an open goal and kick the match-winner.
“I’m not going to highlight instances of players who absolutely put it all on the line,” said Watters.
“If you want to talk about Leigh Montagna, talk about the effort of running from the defensive 50 to actually get to the forward 50 to take that shot.
“That’s courageous running at the end of a game when we needed leaders to stand up.
“I admire that effort to put himself in that position.
“Beau Maister’s workrate tonight was second to none, getting to contest after contest.
“Maybe the reason why he stumbled at the end is because he had nothing left to give.
“Glass half empty or half full – I thought they were pretty admirable.”
The Saints’ home crowd was vocal in its displeasure at the umpiring, although Watters was choosing his words carefully in the post-match press conference.
“I’m not allowed to talk about umpires,” he said.
“I’ll leave that to you guys to make comment.”
The Eagles won the free kick count 22-14.
Nathan of Perth
Guest
Some desperation defence efforts, including getting hands on otherwise certain goals, tipped the game in our favour. Fascinated with EMac scoring the winner - the midfield won't score goals so I guess the defence must!
Gezza
Guest
Saints - no ticker! Been that way for a good few years
Anthony
Guest
Umpiring is getting so confusing,one minute its paid,the next time its not. Umpirers need to be able to see players ducking into a tackle to milk a free kick and players hit in a bump laying on the ground like they are hurt are costing good footballers suspensions when a free kick and 50m penalty is all thats required. Fans go to the footy for big marks,big goals and big bumps. perhaps we all need to look at the NRL and see how tough these guys are,no wonder they laugh at our code.
Lroy
Guest
Bit harsh, Maister was one of the reasons Saints were in front to begin with. Eagles made plenty of mistakes as well... defenders got confused over who was on steven milne.. the guy had a field day, 5 goals?? Eagles must be his favorite side!!! The smother on Riewaldt a minute or so before by the youngster Wilson was crucial.. sure , MOntangna missed a sitter, but WCE missed one at the other end earlier... Saints in front by 2 points.. hail mary kick down the middle, NicNat knocks it on... Rosa crumbs beautifully, kicks a mongrel.. full back McKenzie outsprints his opponent to kick the winning goal? How good is that?? Great game of footy.. Eagles deserve credit for hanging in there.. they looked gone a couple of times. As for the Saints, cannot for the life of me fathom how they have only won 2 games... Seen them a couple of times this year (Eagles and Swans games) and they have looked good on both occasions.