Crunch time for stars

[Huzzad]

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/c ... 64674.html

LUKE BALL St Kilda
IT IS a massive year in the career of the 23-year-old Saints midfielder. Injuries have restricted him, as they have Chris Judd and Luke Hodge, the two young men he shared top billing with in the famous 2001 national draft. The bottom line is that the other two are way ahead of him six years down the track. Judd is a superstar, Hodge is a star and Ball is neither. To be, Ball has to build a bigger motor and kick more goals.

MICHAEL GARDINER St Kilda
AT HIS best was a gun ruckman and better than handy forward. That was a long time ago. In fact, it was back in 2003, when he made All-Australian. Since then there have been dozens of downs and few ups. Eyebrows were raised last year when St Kilda punted on the former Eagle. Foot injuries prevented him from playing a senior game. His career looked over, but coach Ross Lyon kept the faith and kept the giant on the list. But surely it is now or never. If Gardiner doesn't contribute in at least a dozen games in 2008, it has to be arrivederci.