Rate the players here

[Enrico_Misso]

I think you're being harsh on Max.

He is still quick.
He is still stong.
He is still fiercely competitive.
He still sets an example.
And he still keeps getting that fist on the ball.

If he can stay injury free there is still a spot for him in our best 22.

[Iceman234]

I was impressed by the endeavour of the young guys tonight and all I reeally wanted to see was two real ruckmen last the whole game. I didn't care tonight if they came out with no hitouts to advantage, and I was in the camp of not caring if we won or not.

But wasn't that song GREAT...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's a plastic cup. But I was happy with what I saw. I rang a Tiger supporter later who said "We haven't got much to come back into our side, you've got half your team out."

I like it so far. There are so many possies up for grabs and so many great young blokes who are going to put an enormous amount of pressure on the top 25.

[fonz_#15]

going to cause a stir.. but based on tonights game...

when goose is up and running, I'd almost be disappointed if max got a game.

I love the guy and all just think the backilne is better without him... but maybe he was just rusty

whose your best closing speed defender/spoiler at St Kilda? - still Max Hudgton have to say (still quicker than Raph..) and Maguire only runs a straight line (I agree with Thomas on that score)

Cant agree with you Im afraid.

agree teflon, max is a star and would be first picked in my team every week, he leaves everything out on the field and never lets his guard down.

[Teflon]

What people underestimate with Max is his ability (Silvagni like a tad as he can be a scragger/mauler type defender but hes had to be cause hes fought out of his weight division on many "gorillas") is his uncanny ability to manage to get a hand in and effect a spoil EVEN when he appears out positioned in a contest.

He is integral to our side IMO.

[Richter]

Hmmmm, a few of my thoughts....

Really glad to see us with two genuinely BIG men in the middle - we didn't dominate in the ruck but IMO were ahead and King in particular did a couple of good link things around the ground.

Agree that X was great - hopefully this can be the year that he tears it up in the middle of the ground. Love the longer hair too - perhaps it's giving him some Samson strength!

Although Charlie saw plenty of the pill I was not as impressed as others with him - just doesn't have the dead-eye in front of goal it seemed to me. Along with CJ he'll struggle against better teams. CJ showed good pressure and pace but his kicking remains suspect. Personally I'd prefer to invest in Jarryd Allen for the midsized forward role - lopes about a bit like Gilbo I thought,

For mine Blake was mixed - he continues to make poor decisions that lead to putting his teammates in trouble and contribute to turnovers in dangerous parts of the field. That said he doesn't half try and you can't fault him for endeavour - same old same old with him and I hope that we have enough good fit players so that he is'nt quite good enough to get a regular start.

I liked Armo's game - one almost full length of the field defensive effort in Q1 showed he has a bit of pace and a lot of effort. He also looks to be a lovely left foot kick.

Other than that just great to get along to the footy - those level 2 seats sure are comfy and afford a great view!

[Teflon]

C Gardiner tonight looked more than capable for me as a 3rd/4th fwd/HFF goal kicker thats what we ultimately need to make us less predictable going fwd.

[The_Dud]

very impressed with both Gardiners, King, X, alot of the new guys, i couldn't really keep up with them all

bit disappointed with Armo, didn't do as much as i would have liked

Max is essential in our backline, his spoil on Richo in the last quarter highlights exacty why we need him, best defensive defender in our team by far

Goal kicking was a bit of a worry, Gehrig showed his class in this area

all in all, very promising night

[st_Trav_ofWA]

now i dont wanna get over excited but honestly i cant think of a time were ive felt more excited about the recriuts and rookies (maybe 2003)

all the young guys showed glimses of somthing geary eddy and allen had me thinking how we have got it so wrong in the previous years with blokes like Brooks Murray & Sweeney really showed the passion and the enthusiasim to play the game

i though our WA boys did a fairly good job tonight

CJ was great im telling you a shot of confidence and a little work on the basics will bring this kid along nicely may not be a superstar but shows some heart and agro in his chase and tackle

Miles had a real good crack and also showed some signs he couldd be a handy pick up

Gardy got through it and is now one game fitter then he was last week so heres hoping he can keep turning up each week and show some glimpses of the AA form

the main thing i liked was that there seemed to be no passangers everyone pull their bit and it wasnt left to the Stars to do the work

my votes would be
5. X (BOG by a fair bit imo)
4. Charlie Gardiner (is doing what he needs to do to make his spot in the team)
3. CJ (keeping it simple and not trying to over use it )
2. Milne ( unselfish, mature and calm with the ball )
1. Allen (2 goals to the kid well done )

[Huzzad]

Bit harsh on Max I thought, ball wasn't really down there much to start with and kept his opponant accountable. Just good he got through without injury, very valuable for match fitness. Wasn't really a leading target for Richmond all night, with Richo and Deledio showing moments, but most of Richmond's attack was ill-directed and lackluster, with a lot of goals coming on the run. When we actually play a team with good attack and have marking targets, then you will see Max in action.

[Eastern]

My Votes !!

5. X

4. Charlie

3. Kosi

2. Joey

1. Clint

!!

[bigcarl]

C Gardiner tonight looked more than capable for me as a 3rd/4th fwd/HFF goal kicker thats what we ultimately need to make us less predictable going fwd.

agree. need someone who can take a mark to be a foil for roo across half forward. anything that will reduce our reliance on him has to be good for the team as a whole.

gardiner looked very good. allen looked handy, too, so it is encouraging to see a couple of kids putting their hands up.

though kosi didn't have his kicking boots on i thought his sheer presence lifted the forward line. just gives us something to kick to and the option of not having to always hit a leading player on the chest.

imagine how much easier it will now be for fraser and roo with kosi down there too, drawing probably the opposition's best tall defender

add c. gardiner or allen and it ought to be like shooting fish in a barrel for our forwards this year

[james rose]

I'd agree re defensive ability re max...

and I love the service he provided and still does

but

today you have to be able to offer something on the rebound... he seems lost when he gets the ball confused and honestly like blake when he's having one of those bad decision days.

I'd consider playing a whole host of players on the opp fowards ahead of him.

raph- provides attack but personally prefer him out of the def 50

rix- really impressed me defensivly last night, sure doesn't get stacks of it, but usually makes the right call when he does slimmed down heaps

goose- obv choice but has faults already discussed

Gwilt- see raph but better defence

fisher- robs him of the loose man attacking play a little but he can still provide this like a fletcher or leppitch

Allen?- havn't seen him in defence but impressed long term as a fwd

Blake- thought he was fantastic last night, showed a bit of pace in that contest with the richmond fowards where he accelerated ahead of everyone and cleared

Gilbert- Like him more on the HF line but reckon he could do the occasional job

Kosi- looks good where ever he is


I think largely it depends on match ups, but I think usually we can find someone other than max to play, I'm sure he will play quite a few games but I just think there are other options who equal him now because they provide goals as well as stop them

remember we have a focus on extra support down back with king showing the effectivness of this a couple times last night.. and think if you disregard the bleeding and emotion of max he is going to struggle this year

[saintly]

Jarryd Allen - Didn't spend much time on the ground but was fantastic when put into the forward 50. Takes the hard ones and has a good kick on him. Marked down due to lack of gametime. 6/10

David Armitage - Was given plenty of time in the middle. To be honest he was a little disapointing. The signs are there but the rookies have well and truley overtaken him. 3/10

Shane Birss - Very good in close. Quick sharp hands and quite a smart player. 6/10

Jason Blake - Should not feature in more than 5 games this season. Just has no smarts, sure the courage is there but that only takes you a certain way. 2/10

Glenn Chivers - Poor kid spent about two minutes on the field. Dont think he touched the ball. 1/10

Raphael Clarke - Still has his poor moments but as a whole his game has become a lot more consistent. Was good tonight. 7/10

Xavier Clarke - Was brilliant. Tackled hard, ran hard and was amongst everything. Was my best on ground untill the end of the third when he got a little tired. 9/10

Nick Dal Santo - Showed class and leadership. Still very slow with kickouts. 8/10

Robert Eddy - Has great pace, often displayed a lot of pressure. I liked his game. 7/10

Aaron Fiora - Fairly quiet game for Aaron. Made a few errors. Hopefully he can bounce back next week because his position is far from safe yet. 4/10

Sam Fisher - Has become the key of the defence. Started the night by playing as a loose man and often plugging the leading space and courageously going back and spoiling and marking incoming kicks. 9/10

Charlie Gardiner - Kenny Sheldon you may have made a few mistakes during your time with us but all will be forgiven if young Charlie turns out to be a gem. Looked every bit comfortable out there tonight and constantly featuring in the setting up of goals. 9/10

Michael Gardiner - Played as 2nd ruck tonight. Did a fair job without being fantastic. The match practise for him is unvaluable. 5/10

Jarryn Geary - Brilliant! Hard working, clever and quick. Expect to be the guy who falls under the other teams radar this year. Reminds me a little of Heath Shaw of Collingwood. 8/10

Fraser Gehrig - A quiet night for the G-Train in terms of possesions however he let his presence be felt. Two frees against, three Richmond players on their arse. 5/10

Robert Harvey - Hasn't lost it. Hands were as quick as ever. Had a high hit on him and should result in a suspension (havnt seen replay yet). 7/10

Brad Howard - Didn't have much time on ground but his few possesions were rather worthy ones. Has good pace. 3/10

Max Hudghton - Held the defence together. Played mainly on Deledio. 7/10

Clinton Jones - Dumb and poor kicking skills hurt him but top marks for effort tonight. Often runs to the wrong spots and his kicking is just woeful at times but he did do plenty of good things. 7/10

Steven King - Fantastic to see such terrific tapwork coming from a player in the Red, White and Black for once. Has taken the number 1 ruck spot in my eyes. 8/10

Justin Koschitzke - Similar to the intraclub match. Was very good up forward but his kicking again let him down. Good to finally see him up forward permantly. 8/10

Luke Miles - Did plenty of good things. A modern day attacking defender. Great rookie pick. 6/10

Stephen Milne - On fire! A little lazy at times but his regained a little bit of his unpredictability again. Kicked three and set up plenty more. 7/10

Leigh Montagna - Worked well with Gardiner and King. Often was on the receiving end of a good hitout. Played a great attacking game. 8/10

Michael Rix - It's clear that Ross Lyon is looking for a new position for Rix. Played as a key defender, a forward and wingman. Looked good as a defender and did a fair job all night. Deserves another few weeks to find his new spot. 5/10

Jack Steven - This kid has fantastic aggression! Boy he looked great when he was out there. Didn't get much game time but I loved what I saw. 4/10

thought darmitage did quite ok. better than last year.

thought C jones was great.

good kicking skills only made 1 or 2 errors. but a great game i thought.

[stinger]

41 - Glenn Chivers - DNP
.

yeah ..he played...all of about 2 minutes....

[SaintBot]

41 - Glenn Chivers - DNP
.

yeah ..he played...all of about 2 minutes....

came on in the last quarter when max was given a (mini) standing ovation as he came off for the match

[mad saint guy]

Steven King - Was good in the ruck contests and took a couple of handy marks. Didn't stand out, but he showed enough to show that he is an improvement on what we have had previously.

Xavier Clarke - Great game. Looks extremely fit, confident and his skills were sharp. I really like him in the midfield.

Max Hudghton - Didn't really notice him. It's a good sign that he's fit at this time of the year though.

Fraser Gehrig - Started brilliantly and looked extremely fit, but he did seem to slow downa bit after the first quarter. Still better than most pre season games from Fraser.

Leigh Montagna - Very good. He is probably our best midfielder now and he put in a strong performance.

Michael Gardiner - It is great that he's playing, but he had no impact on the game. Hopefully he just needs to build up some match fitness and touch (which is understandable since he has barely played since 2003), but I don't think he will really be a key player for us.

Raph Clarke - He is in the best condition he has ever been in and looks like he will finally fulfill his potential. Looked fit, sharp, strong and quick.

Aaron Fiora - Solid game. He didn't need to do a huge amount, but he did enough to show he should keep up his form of last year.

David Armitage - His tackling was awsome, but he desperately needs to get more of the footy. We need him to become a quality midfielder, but he hasn't shown a lot to date.

Shane Birss - Pretty good. We know what he's capable of and he performed fairly well tonight.

Justin Koschitzke - He didn't kick a bag like many expected him to, but he took some strong grabs and was dangerous. To be honest I thought his best work was done late in the game when he was playing across half back. I am not convinced that he can be a regular goalkicker, but at least he is fit and has had a pre season.

Sam Fisher - He let Richo get away a bit too much, but he still played a good game. He doesn't need to prove anything in the pre season.

Nick Dal Santo - Quiet game, but he was there just to get some match fitness.

Jason Blake - Good game. He kicked long and accurately several times and now looks very comfrotable at AFL level.

Charlie Gardiner - He effectively replaced Riewoldt and did a good job. I was very surprised by his good marking and disposal. I don't think he's a goalkicker, but he could be that extra avenue into the forward line we have been looking for. Quality game.

Michael Rix - Barely noticed him. I remember one good tackle on the boundary line, but I suspect Rix was played in case Gardiner or King broke down.

Brad Howard - He didn't get a huge amount of game time, but he didn't do anything to impress.

Jack Steven - Had very little game time and wasnt really noticed.

Robert Harvey - Didn't do a lot, but I don't think he'll be worried about a quiet game in the NAB cup.

Jarryd Allen - Didn't stand out, but he snagged two goals and easily could have had four (if not for a close miss and Gehrig reversing a shot at goal).

Clint Jones - Started poorly but calmed down after quarter time and played a solid game. It was a big improvement on his 2007 form, but still needs to do more with the footy.

Robert Eddy - Was brilliant in the first quarter, but was on and off the ground from then on. The only weakness I have noticed in his game is that he does tend to cough up the ball under pressure. Still looks like a guy who could easily step into an AFL game and have en impact. Deserves to be on the senior list ahead of 5-6 players.

Jarryn Geary - Very good game. I knew that he was a classy player with good pace, but I had no idea that he had such a great vertical leap. He effectively spoiled Richmond forwards much taller than him several times and I loved his bump on Polak. I would be surprised and disappointed if he doesn't play 15 games this year.

Stephen Milne - He is still very good at finding space in the forward line, but still needs to lift his game around the ground. Even if Milney just cuts the stupid high tackles from his game I'll be happy.

Luke Miles - The biggest surprise packet for me. He defensive work was excellent and his confidence attacking and using the ball was amazing for a guy plucked from nowhere. He looks like a genuine full back prospect for the future.

[stinger]

Nick Dal Santo - Quiet game, but he was there just to get some match fitness.

well, all your others comments are spot on...otherwise i would reckon you were watching a very different game to me......dal was in the best three on the ground...some have even given him BOG

[mad saint guy]

well, all your others comments are spot on...otherwise i would reckon you were watching a very different game to me......dal was in the best three on the ground...some have even given him BOG

Dal was good when he was on the ground, but he wouldn't have played more than 65% of the game. 18 disposals, 1 mark and 2 tackles aren't BOG figures.

[stinger]

well, all your others comments are spot on...otherwise i would reckon you were watching a very different game to me......dal was in the best three on the ground...some have even given him BOG

Dal was good when he was on the ground, but he wouldn't have played more than 65% of the game. 18 disposals, 1 mark and 2 tackles aren't BOG figures.

your view.........you are entitled to it......others disagree...

...from the age...


"Saints prove a worthy bet

Steve Butler | February 16, 2008

ST KILDA 0.4.1 1.7.5 1.11.9 1.15.12 (111)
RICHMOND 0.3.2 0.4.4 2.6.7 2.7.11 (71)
Goals: St Kilda: Nine-point goals: L Montagna. Goals: F Gehrig 3 S Milne 3 J Koschitzke 2 J Allen 2 R Eddy X Clarke D Armitage S Birss C Gardiner. Richmond: Nine-point goals: G Tivendale C Newman. Goals: B Deledio 2 N Brown 2 M Richardson K Pettifer M Morton. Best: St Kilda: N Dal Santo L Montagna J Koschitzke X Clarke C Gardiner S Fisher C Jones. Richmond: N Foley C Newman J King N Brown M Richardson.
Umpires: D Goldspink H Kennedy T Keating J Armstrong.
Crowd: 23,329 at Telstra Dome.







18 possessions in 65 minutes of game time is hardly a "quiet game"...as you put it....

[ausfatcat]

21 was the highest wasn't it

[stinger]

21 was the highest wasn't it

yep...

[rexy]

Cant beleive anyone is suggesting that Max wont be best 22, Can play on any player in the league who goes forward, from genuine KPP to resting mids and small crumbers. Is our most experienced backman and knows when to leave his man and help out on someone elses man and when to stay put. Generally plays within his ability when he goes for a run as he realises that he is not a naturally attacking player but IMO usually makes safe if conservative decisions and disposes solidly of the ball.

Fantastic that we have a few youngsters lining up to take his spot as his body is definately showing the signs of 10+ years fighting above his weight but I dont think he is up quite yet.

[n1ck]

5. C Gardiner
4. Montagna
3. J Geary
2. X Clarke
1. S Fisher

[TwoTowers]

going to cause a stir.. but based on tonights game...

when goose is up and running, I'd almost be disappointed if max got a game.

I love the guy and all just think the backilne is better without him... but maybe he was just rusty

I was very happy to see Max out there and doing his thing this early in the season. Unfortunately Goose has plenty to prove just to make our starting line-up when he gets back. I believe he can become a good player but has not really done much to live up to the great early potential he showed. Remember how poorly he played in his last full season before he broke his leg? One thing he will need to do is absorb some of the discipline that Max shows week in week out. He is a long way off the standard of Max.

[TwoTowers]

Steven King - Was good in the ruck contests and took a couple of handy marks. Didn't stand out, but he showed enough to show that he is an improvement on what we have had previously.

Xavier Clarke - Great game. Looks extremely fit, confident and his skills were sharp. I really like him in the midfield.

Max Hudghton - Didn't really notice him. It's a good sign that he's fit at this time of the year though.

Fraser Gehrig - Started brilliantly and looked extremely fit, but he did seem to slow downa bit after the first quarter. Still better than most pre season games from Fraser.

Leigh Montagna - Very good. He is probably our best midfielder now and he put in a strong performance.

Michael Gardiner - It is great that he's playing, but he had no impact on the game. Hopefully he just needs to build up some match fitness and touch (which is understandable since he has barely played since 2003), but I don't think he will really be a key player for us.

Raph Clarke - He is in the best condition he has ever been in and looks like he will finally fulfill his potential. Looked fit, sharp, strong and quick.

Aaron Fiora - Solid game. He didn't need to do a huge amount, but he did enough to show he should keep up his form of last year.

David Armitage - His tackling was awsome, but he desperately needs to get more of the footy. We need him to become a quality midfielder, but he hasn't shown a lot to date.

Shane Birss - Pretty good. We know what he's capable of and he performed fairly well tonight.

Justin Koschitzke - He didn't kick a bag like many expected him to, but he took some strong grabs and was dangerous. To be honest I thought his best work was done late in the game when he was playing across half back. I am not convinced that he can be a regular goalkicker, but at least he is fit and has had a pre season.

Sam Fisher - He let Richo get away a bit too much, but he still played a good game. He doesn't need to prove anything in the pre season.

Nick Dal Santo - Quiet game, but he was there just to get some match fitness.

Jason Blake - Good game. He kicked long and accurately several times and now looks very comfrotable at AFL level.

Charlie Gardiner - He effectively replaced Riewoldt and did a good job. I was very surprised by his good marking and disposal. I don't think he's a goalkicker, but he could be that extra avenue into the forward line we have been looking for. Quality game.

Michael Rix - Barely noticed him. I remember one good tackle on the boundary line, but I suspect Rix was played in case Gardiner or King broke down.

Brad Howard - He didn't get a huge amount of game time, but he didn't do anything to impress.

Jack Steven - Had very little game time and wasnt really noticed.

Robert Harvey - Didn't do a lot, but I don't think he'll be worried about a quiet game in the NAB cup.

Jarryd Allen - Didn't stand out, but he snagged two goals and easily could have had four (if not for a close miss and Gehrig reversing a shot at goal).

Clint Jones - Started poorly but calmed down after quarter time and played a solid game. It was a big improvement on his 2007 form, but still needs to do more with the footy.

Robert Eddy - Was brilliant in the first quarter, but was on and off the ground from then on. The only weakness I have noticed in his game is that he does tend to cough up the ball under pressure. Still looks like a guy who could easily step into an AFL game and have en impact. Deserves to be on the senior list ahead of 5-6 players.

Jarryn Geary - Very good game. I knew that he was a classy player with good pace, but I had no idea that he had such a great vertical leap. He effectively spoiled Richmond forwards much taller than him several times and I loved his bump on Polak. I would be surprised and disappointed if he doesn't play 15 games this year.

Stephen Milne - He is still very good at finding space in the forward line, but still needs to lift his game around the ground. Even if Milney just cuts the stupid high tackles from his game I'll be happy.

Luke Miles - The biggest surprise packet for me. He defensive work was excellent and his confidence attacking and using the ball was amazing for a guy plucked from nowhere. He looks like a genuine full back prospect for the future.

Very good objective analysis MSG