Games experience shines through
St Kilda entered the 2012 season with the most mature list in the competition, and was second only to Geelong in terms of overall games experience. This experience showed through in the third quarter. At the six minute mark, Sam Blease kicked the second of his five goals and it was ‘game on’ as Melbourne trailed by just four points. But St Kilda’s experience shone through when it upped the ante considerably and kicked the next seven in a row. Consequently, the Saints took a 50-point lead into the final break. It was not unexpected, according to coach Mark Neeld, who was fully aware and prepared for St Kilda’s experience to come to the fore during the match. “We’re certainly aware from an experience point of view - the Saints had just over 1200 games more experience than us. We’re going to have some inconsistent quarters where we’re unable to stop some run-ons. For us, it’s about driving standards internally as hard as we possibly can and understanding that every time we take the field at this level, there’s heaps to play for. We got beaten by 25 points, and the reality is that nobody is ever pleased about a loss, but given the experience of both sides and the manner in which our boys went about it, there’s another glimpse into our future, I think.” For the record, Neeld said St Kilda averaged 117 matches per player for the match; Melbourne averaged 60.
Grimes raises bat for half century
Given that Jack Grimes’ first four seasons produced 32 games, when he would’ve played many more had it not been for several injuries, his ability to remain durable and thrive in his first season as captain in a trying season has been testament to his ability. Grimes notched up 29 disposals against St Kilda, and was again one of his side’s best. His recent form has been strong, and his consistency has been a feature in recent times. Notching up his 50th match against the Saints was a timely reminder than he is still emerging in games and experience, but the maturity and leadership he shows for a 23 year-old is absolutely first class.
Young McDonald Rising Star?
The likes of Greater Western Sydney’s Jeremy Cameron and Toby Greene, Adelaide’s Daniel Talia and Bulldog Mitch Wallis will be right up among the favourites for this year’s NAB AFL Rising Star, but don’t forget about Tom McDonald, who has played all but two matches this season. That’s the message from his coach Mark Neeld, who couldn’t speak highly enough of the second year Demon. He said the defender’s season had been “terrific”. “He’s very good, is Tom. We keep the heat on him. He’s a very good player, and he came into the side in round two and it’s now round 20 and each week he’s played on the opposition’s best tall forward. The Rising Star - he’d be up near the top, I would think.” Co-captain Jack Grimes also praised McDonald for his year. “He provides that attacking run, but he defends first, so we know what we’re going to get with Tom. There’s no surprise, because the way he works on the track is exactly the way he plays.”
More ticks for Spencer
Although St Kilda ruckman Ben McEvoy had the edge over Jake Spencer in hit outs - 39 to 28 - the developing Demon continued to make progress in his sixth match for the season, and his 14th overall. Spencer’s 28 hit outs were a career best, and he also reached double figure disposals (10) for the first time. It’s been a good story of perseverance from Spencer, who has made the most of his opportunity in the absence of injured No. 1 ruckman, Mark Jamar. The big ‘Pencil’ has impressed with his attitude and effort in recent weeks.
Beau and Blease - the unlikely goal kicking duo
It would’ve been a handsome little return - try significant - had any punter predicted the leading goal kicker(s) would be a tie between Beau Wilkes and Sam Blease. It probably would’ve been an indefinite holiday to the Caribbean had anyone suggested five goals would come from each in this encounter. But that’s the beauty of our game - expect the unexpected. Both players kicked career best hauls. Wilkes has now played 30 matches and kicked 11 goals. Remarkably, eight of his goals have come against Melbourne (three also came in round five), while his other three majors have come against Essendon. One came while representing West Coast against the Dons, and the other two came playing for the Saints. As for Blease - he has now kicked 17 goals from 18 AFL matches. All goals have come this season, since he booted his first against Carlton in round eight. In fact, Blease has kicked at least one goal in 10 of his past 11 outings for Melbourne - a fine effort. His five goal haul in a losing side reinforced why he is one of the red and blue’s most promising players.
