The Soaring

Summary

West Coast 2.3 6.5 9.11 15.13 (103)
St Kilda 4.5 6.6 9.9 12.14 (86)

I enjoyed this game more than any all year. It was a ripper.

Maybe that’s contributed to the long delay on writing this up - it was such sweet relief from 7 straight thumpings, I don’t want to move on. Maybe.

Whatever the reason, we clicked. Finally.

After the Saints banged on the first 4 goals I thought ‘here we go again’ along with 35000 others. But the Saints fiddled and missed some gettable shots and we belated grabbed two late ones in the first quarter and the confidence began to creep back.

Great to see some innovation from the coaching staff bringing results. The much talked about “Staker game” is primary in our thoughts. He’s played in the midfield before, usually as a negating player only to be banished to the forward line the week after. But this week he played in the middle with purpose, aggression and attacking intent that we’ve missed all year.

One thing about Staker we’ve worked out, he’s much more comfortable facing goals than leading away from them. The midfield - at least played as he did on Saturday - is the future for Brent.

Joining him on the wing was big Lynchy. If Staker’s game was a stand out, Lynchy was right along side him. Both these blokes winning the ball, running and carrying it, then pumping it inside 50 or scoring themselves - it was a treat to watch and really got the crowd going.

Between them they had something like 50 disposals, 20 inside 50’s, 15 marks, 9 tackles and 4 goals.

Brad Ebert is the second youngest player on our list, but his rising up the ranks of who our best players are. His 25 disposal, 3 goals game - opposed to Nick Dal Santo - was a sign of a great future. He was rewarded with a Rising Star nomination for his efforts.

Others with good games were - Nicoski whose long goal was a reminder of his damaging left boot. I liked Stenglein as a defensive forward in the RoJo mould. LeCras was dangerous up forward and really looks to have a ton of confidence right now. McKenzie did well on Reiwoldt - in spite of the 5 goals. He’s got a good understanding of the game and impressive leg speed. McNamara continues wins fans for his tough at it play.

All round good signs are finally emerging. With a derby on Sunday, we will have a great chance to add some consistency to our performance against the “Shaun McManus Memorial” Dockers. They can’t afford to lose as we’ve heard all week in the media - which is bound to be a good sign for us.