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In another endorsement of Ross Lyon's team mantra of 'Saints footy', his charges overcame a near-full strength Collingwood despite lacking key playmakers Hayes, Dal Santo, Gardiner and Gram. The defensive pressure in the midfield and defence was outstanding for a team that played in the grand final and started pre-season after all but one club. Youngsters Stanley, Miles and Smith showed exciting flashes of their talent, and Nick Riewoldt was irresistible in attack. But the most encouraging performances came from two players given a chance in the midfield after the departure of Luke Ball. David Armitage, with 26 touches and seven tackles, was excellent, and goalsneak Adam Schneider was a revelation around the packs, picking up 21 touches and booting three goals as a genuine rover. In one game, the comparatively underdone Saints further bedded down their pressing defensive game plan, overcame any perceived midfield hole left by the controversial departure of Luke Ball, and showed great tenacity to hold off a possible top-four rival, thereby extending its hold over the Pies to hoodoo proportions and avoiding a trip to Alice Springs. A productive night by any measure.
MISSING: Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes, Jason Gram, Michael Gardiner, Raphael Clarke, Sean Dempster. Add the first three to this line-up, and you have an extremely impressive midfield.
NEXT: Saturday February 27 v Sydney, Etihad Stadium, 7.10pm. Will any of the missing stars get a run this week?
