Harvey plays for us: Hayes

[Sainterone]

From the Hun(Jon Ralph):


SAINTS co-captain Lenny Hayes says St Kilda is determined to give Robert Harvey a legitimate shot at the premiership that has eluded him during a remarkable 20-season career.

Harvey's on-field actions against Adelaide on Saturday night silenced critics who wondered if he had gone on one season too long.

The 36-year-old dual Brownlow medallist had 22 touches and three goal assists against the Crows, and played a key role in icing the clock in the dying minutes.

Yesterday Hayes launched a spirited defence of Harvey, who enters his 21st season desperate for his first flag.

"(The criticism) is a little bit weird after one or two games in the pre-season where he's not getting 30 touches. It's pretty harsh on the bloke," Hayes said.

"I think people seem to be pretty quick to jump on him but he showed he's a big-game player. He's an amazing bloke and an amazing player."

Hayes said Harvey's only remaining motivation was the ultimate team success.

"That is the reason he is keeping on going around and he sees some potential with this team. That's what he says: 'It's not about me, I truly believe in you blokes and that's why I want to play again'.

"The motivation is still there, so we are very happy that he's going around again."

Former co-captain Luke Ball - who gave up the role this year to concentrate on his return from groin surgery - was also solid in his second game back.

Hayes said Ball was feeling strong and was hopeful he could again play a critical role in the midfield.

"He's had a good pre-season, pretty structured and he seems to be moving really well. It's just positive for him because he hasn't been able to do the things that he wants to over the last couple of years.

"We don't need him, or anyone, to take the game by the scruff of the neck. We all just need to pitch in. If that happens it makes it a lot easier."

With Adam Schneider and Sean Dempster also set to make an impact, St Kilda's midfield is looking much more impressive than last year.

"That is what we have seen over the last four games," Hayes said of the midfield.

"A lot of guys are developing, like (David) Armitage and these young guys are coming through. Each week we have put it to the young boys. We have started them in the middle and we have got a lot more depth."

The victorious Saints yesterday held their family day at their future training base at Frankston, with 14 days to recover before their Round 1 clash with Sydney.

Coach Ross Lyon said post-match that only Michael Tuck medallist Jason Gram had cramped, with no fresh injuries from the NAB Cup.

Brendon Goddard will play again with Casey next week as he pushes his case for Round 1 selection after a knee reconstruction. But Max Hudghton (hamstring) and Fraser Gehrig (calf) will be line-ball selections with St Kilda playing Sydney exactly four weeks after they succumbed to soft-tissue injuries.