Former Saintsationalist's Optimism

[DJ Higgins]

All positive but who are we beating to get 10 wins. We don't have a genuine star in our team, we have lots of underperforming players and a few that just aren't good enough. Clarke and coffield are a year or two off being great due to their age and experience, king won't play next year most likely and our draftees were all players passed over multiple years in a ro by multiple clubs.

I am expecting another bad year that will turn around in the second half of the season, quicker if ratten takes over

[Jacks Back]

All positive but who are we beating to get 10 wins. We don't have a genuine star in our team, we have lots of underperforming players and a few that just aren't good enough. Clarke and coffield are a year or two off being great due to their age and experience, king won't play next year missed likely and our draftees were all players passed over multiple years in a ro by multiple clubs.

Ian expecting another bad year that will turn around in the second half of the season, quicker if ratten takes over

Who's Ian?

[Scollop]

All positive but who are we beating to get 10 wins. We don't have a genuine star in our team, we have lots of underperforming players and a few that just aren't good enough. Clarke and coffield are a year or two off being great due to their age and experience, king won't play next year missed likely and our draftees were all players passed over multiple years in a ro by multiple clubs.

Ian expecting another bad year that will turn around in the second half of the season, quicker if ratten takes over

Who's Ian?

[DJ Higgins]

Ian autocorrect. He is a pain at times

[Linton Lodger]

Drake is hammering down the door to join the Blueskiers, it appears he's a man reborn since the departure of Trout. Here is part 2 from Big Footy:


"I was going to post just before Round One, but being a typical saints' fan, I thought it prudent to wait for further confirmation of the improvement we'd seen in the JLT series. Well, the moment has arrived. Despite a number of setbacks in the preseason, a slavering media led by the IPF, determined to put us down and cost us memberships, the club has managed to come up two and zip. What is more exciting than banking eight points in two games is the renewed spirit shown by the players, both in the JLT and the H & A season. Why am I like big Kev before he expired? It's because for the first time since 2011 that I've seen the return of the old saints' enthusiasm and more than a touch of the campaigner. Even in our darkest years in the '80s, and yes I was there, along with many of you on here, no team enjoyed coming to Moorabbin, even though there was a very good chance they'd get the points. Cunningham, Burns, Barker, Frawley, Plugger and myriad scrappers ensured the opposition left with a receipt or several. How refreshing to see that attitude return.

Let's start where we left off last time. The President is doing a good job. Being seen and not heard too much. Love the way he and Finnis praised the boys after the practice match wins. Some were critical about that. At that stage, we needed the psychological cuddle more than a hard-nosed, winning attitude. That will come later. What about that Satan Lethlean? What an acquisition he's been. For once the bargain bin has worked in our favour. It's like finding a gold ingot at a 50% discount at your local NQR. The way he has defended the club has been exactly what was needed.
No longer the pissweak deferring to the media and AFL. We had become hand baggers of the worst kind. The Murphy incident was a classic example. Somehow, the St.Kilda FC managed to become the villain of the piece, with our admin. willingly accepting blame. I and several others on here at the time lamented this. It did have a negative impact. I know this from three players who told me at the time. I can't imagine it happening under Satan. He has put a brick in our handbags.

Now, while on the subject of Satan, many in the media and this forum have criticised the decision to recruit Hannebery. "Old Boy's Network", "Jobs for the Boys", "looking out for his mates" were some of the kinder barbs thrown at him. Of course, the IPF, has jumped into the fray in a pathetic attempt to discredit a club and individual who had the temerity to question him. Long may Satan work his (black) magic. No more are we a soft target. That 80's spirit of issuing receipts is alive and well. ATM the IPF looks an even bigger flog that he usually does, and rightfully so. The Hannebery move has already paid off in ways outsiders don't acknowledge. His effect on the group has been significant, as was evidenced by his appointment to the leadership group. He will eventually come good physically, another thing we have to look forward to. Don't forget, people, we have Jake and Hanners in reserve. Two potentially elite players.

A quick mention of another one of our underrated recruits this year. Gubby Allan. In the dim dark days, I was last involved in recruiting, I recall his reputation for getting deals done and his awesome network. No one was better connected than the Gubbmeister. I know he's hit some hurdles since, but he's acknowledged as one of the best operators in the business. He will bring at least one, if not two top liners to the club in the offseason. Pity we didn't get him earlier last year. He was still working for Norf and managed to get players to go to that s*** stain of a club. If we even perform moderately well this year, he will deliver. It's just great to have him around the club and the (Ri)Cho is said to be thrilled to have him around. That can only be a good thing.

Speaking of which, our reserves of young talent are looking promising We have three top ten draft picks yet to come in. Winx, Clark and Coffield, with Bytel in reserve for next year. Clavarino lurks in the background as well. Excited yet? Our mature agers have added the spark and experience we needed. Parker, Wilkie (a pair of guns), Kent, with Young and Hinds waiting to take their turn. Both of these last two bring more of what we need. Pace, skill and pressure. Has anyone else noticed how good our recruiting has been since the dud, Trout, left (sorry, couldn't help myself)? I note that cancer has been given the arse completely. They couldn't find that job they promised him. The current janitor was just too good. Guess where he is now? Essendope! That'll keep them down for a bit longer! Anyhoo, Libba and crew are doing well. Showing a bit of imagination and flair, not to mention competence. A major problem has been corrected with, dare I say it, pleasing results.

So, with several of our best players missing, an underdone Jack Steven and a number of inexperienced players, we have eked out two wins. Just wait until we hit our best form. As for the coach, you know I'm not a big fan. Credit where it's due. Even though he is still as boring as batshit in the media, I'm told that behind closed doors he has improved, greatly. Maybe that communications coach is having an impact. I think the "Clayton's Sacking" as I termed it was harsh but partially correct. Ratten, Lade and Slater have clearly made a positive impact. Don't underestimate Playfair's contribution, either. Only 22 goals conceded in two games augurs well for the future. Keep that up and we'll win more than we lose. Without our best two defenders in Robbo and Jake, the effort has been even more remarkable. The structures have been the key. Loving Battle's and Wilkie's efforts as well.

So there it is, fellow sainters. Plenty of reasons to be cheerful. The next instalment is due at the end of August, at which stage we should be preparing for finals. I know it's early days, but I have a good feeling about this season, that goes back to JLT number one. Dare to dream. I'm excited!"

[tedtheodorelogan2018]

Well I'll be damned....Drake Huggins has done a 180! Shows there is clear hope for others on this forum.

[skeptic]

At least he can provide reasons for his optimism

Interesting the part about Richo improving. Wish he’d elaborated.

[Cairnsman]

At least he can provide reasons for his optimism

Interesting the part about Richo improving. Wish he’d elaborated.

You're up and about today, you must be sensing a loss?

[thejiggingsaint]

At least he can provide reasons for his optimism

Interesting the part about Richo improving. Wish he’d elaborated.

You're up and about today, you must be sensing a loss?

[Joffa Burns]

Well I'll be damned....Drake Huggins has done a 180! Shows there is clear hope for others on this forum.

Interesting comment Ted, as Drake ended posting in this forum around six months before you joined.

He was known to banter with a forumite known as parkeysainter who left the forum around the same time you joined

[thejiggingsaint]

Well I'll be damned....Drake Huggins has done a 180! Shows there is clear hope for others on this forum.

Interesting comment Ted, as Drake ended posting in this forum around six months before you joined.

He was known to banter with a forumite known as parkeysainter who left the forum around the same time you joined

The plot thickens!!!! ????????? conspiracytheoristsRus.com

[tedtheodorelogan2018]

No idea who Parkersainter is but I read up on this Drake Huggins bloke through the search function as he kept on getting mentioned in threads. Just curious and there was a lot of detailed posts involving Drake Huggins. Interesting man.

[thejiggingsaint]

No idea who Parkersainter is but I read up on this Drake Huggins bloke through the search function as he kept on getting mentioned in threads. Just curious and there was a lot of detailed posts involving Drake Huggins. Interesting man.

Not "MATTYParkersaint"????