The Saints have had a hard few years recently. With the loss of their coach at the end of 2013 and then the wooden spoon for 2014, you would think that they have hit rock bottom.
Is there anything that can help them improve?
If the game against the Suns is anything to go by, then there are a few things there to like. The new combination of Nick Riewoldt and Josh Bruce on the forward line is strong and getting stronger.
The development of their younger players is also promising. They are starting to show skill and are thinking about what they want to do with the ball.
This week they face off against Collingwood who they have not won against since Round 3 2010. Since then they have lost seven, along with the grand final draw.
The Saints have more to prove in this game than Collingwood.
A look at the stats from this year shows that the Magpies are ranked last, with an average of 67.9 per cent in effective disposals. The Saints are at 74.4 per cent and ranked seventh – an improvement on last year.
One of the major differences in statistics this year has been in relation to the mark average. The Pies mark on average 56.5 per game. The Saints, on the other hand, accrue 100.5 marks per game – almost double that of the Pies.
Even with all the things that are against the Magpies, they should be able to win this game. While the Saints have shown their quality, they have also shown their failings. In their loss to GWS, they did stay in touch with the Giants and if they had been able to kick straight in the last quarter they should have be able to take control of the match.
For the Saints to win this, they will have to keep the pressure on the Magpies for the full four quarters and kick straight. Pies by four.
Wilson
Roar Guru
True but the had the same problem last year last year as one of the lowest and in the year they won the Premierships they had a Effective Disposal of 73.1 and 7th out right along with 96.4 Mark per Game. in the games this year they were out marked 87 to 52 by the lions and then the same in the game against the Crows 61 to 126. agree that a lot more happens then Marks and effective Disposals but if you can't get the ball to the person you want effectively and for them to Mark or if they can mark it, you are going to have problems when you meet teams like Hawks, Freo, and as they seen against the Crows.
Jack Smith
Roar Guru
I've tipped the Saints this week. With no confidence though.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Hate to burst your bubble but a lot more happens in a game besides effective disposals and marks. For example the Pies effective disposal could be put down the fact they played a team that puts you under intense pressure.