ST KILDA has regained its aggressive edge and maintained touch with the top eight with a 17-point win against North Melbourne.
Saints’ coach Alan Richardson said the victory was a strong response to three straight losses which put had put the club’s finals credentials under the spotlight.
The Saints led by 42 points early in the last quarter and were on track to record a percentage-boosting win before a last-quarter fightback from the Roos.
Richardson also praised the form of veterans Nick Riewoldt and Leigh Montagna as they fight to earn new contracts for a potential premiership push next season and the toughness of new captain Jarryn Geary in defence.
Richardson said he was pleased to see the Saints play with more speed and dare through the middle of the ground.
“Up until three-quarter time the boys had been really positive and I was concerned that inaccuracy was going to end up costing us,” Richardson said.
“And while it probably cost a bigger margin in respect to the victory, I was really pleased.
“I think our rebound (out of defence) was close to 30 per cent, that is good number.
Tim Membrey takes a strong pack mark. Picture: Michael KleinSource:News Corp Australia
“I thought we got some really good looks forward of the ball because of that. We have had some forwards which had been in and out of the form, particularly in the last few weeks.
“It’s hard to get on the end of any ball if it’s coming in really slow but it was positive we played with a bit more dare and dash from the back and it definitely gave out forward better looks.
“If we had have been able to convert some relatively easy shots I think we would have been in a healthier position.”
St Kilda veterans Leigh Montagna and Nick Riewoldt enjoy the win.Source:Getty Images
St Kilda booted 12.17 and were denied a couple of other majors which were shown to be touched in the goal reviews. Jack Billings finished with 2.4. The win lifted the Saints to 6-6 in 10th spot on the ladder ahead of next weekend’s clash against Gold Coast.
Richardson said Montagna had a top night with 28 possessions and some strong marks in defence, while Riewoldt would be “better for the run”.
“He (Montagna) has such a positive influence on our group not only the way he plays, but the way he carries himself around the footy club and the way that he challenges.
“He sees the game as well as anyone and he communicates in a really authentic manner.
“‘Rooey’ (Riewoldt) worked his backside off and he wasn’t always able to get it his own way, but his body was really positive.”
Leigh Montagna takes a strong grab in defence.Source:Getty Images
North Melbourne coach Brad Scott has forecast changes to training methods after his mistake-riddled side was swept aside by St Kilda.
Scott admitted the final score “flattered” the Roos, who trailed by 42 points at the 16-minute mark of the last quarter.
“We’ve got to change some things with the way we train, in particular, to get our skills back to the level they were earlier in the year if we are to compete with the best sides,” Scott said.
“We will prioritise. We run a football program at North, we don’t run a sports science or medical program. We’ll do what we need to do to get enough time to get our skill execution work done.
“I’ll be advised by the sports science professionals, but I’ll make sure I do what’s necessary on the skill front. There’s no shying away from the fact that we just made fundamental errors that allowed the opposition to score really easily and you don’t score yourself.
“We had the appetite; we just didn’t execute tonight.”
The Roos couldn’t move the ball with any fluency at any stage and had 29 more handballs than kicks.
“We invited a good pressure side to pressure us and they took the invitation willingly,” Scott said.
“We don’t set out to have a certain kick-to-handball ratio today. We attack based on what the opposition put before us and usually we’re pretty good … tonight we weren’t.”
Originally published as Richo rapt with Saints’ response
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