McGuane rates saints midfield at 8

[saynta]

From saints.com.au

'8. St Kilda

The top liners: Jack Steele (19, 121), Brad Crouch (12, 83), Bradley Hill (19, 63), Zak Jones (16, 88), Jade Gresham (11, 81), Sebastian Ross (16, 79), Dan Hannebery (8, 69), Jack Billings (19, 94), Jack Sinclair (12, 78)

The top-ups: Luke Dunstan (1, 92), Jack Bytel (3, 57), Ryan Byrnes (1, 22)

McGuane says: Jack Steele was sensational this year and was rightfully selected in the All-Australian team. He is a big bodied midfielder that had been used in tagging roles but Brett Ratten allowed him to just go out and play. Paddy Ryder and Rowan Marshall form a formidable ruck duo. Ryder missed the semi-final final against the Tigers and it really hurt the Saints — they lost centre bounce clearances 15-5 and conceded 4.1 from those clearances. That proves Ryder’s worth to his team. When he plays his fellow midfielders can be more proactive around stoppages and Steele, Zak Jones and Seb Ross can play with their natural attacking instincts. Dan Hannebery, when fully fit, provides great experience. Bradley Hill, Jack Billings and Jack Sinclair provide strong running ability on the outside and also give them a bit of class. They need more midfield depth, hence the recruitment of Brad Crouch. The Saints as a midfield group are moving in the right direction, but a lot is dependent on the health and wellbeing of Ryder. His ruck work is elite as he often gives St Kilda first look at the footy. '

[Joffa Burns]

Fair assessment of mds when you ad Ryder & Roma, I think he underrated our back line in last week’s edition.

[desertsaint]

pretty generous rating. we have a lot of b graders in that, but bat deep with them. be interesting to see ratings for other teams.

[bigcarl]

Fair assessment of mds when you ad Ryder & Roma, I think he underrated our back line in last week’s edition.

Agree. And he hasn’t included Clark, who ought to get a lot of midfield time this year. Ours is a good midfield and bats pretty deep. We could give it a shake next year

[StPeter]

What do the numbers in brackets after the players signify?

[Wayne42]

What do the numbers in brackets after the players signify?

I thought they meant games in 2020 and games in total.

[CQ SAINT]

What do the numbers in brackets after the players signify?

2019 games, ranking points?

[theoracle]

The numbers in brackets signify games in 2020, and KFC SuperCoach average points.
The complete list - McGuane's rankings:
1. Geelong
2. Port
3. Tigers
4. Western Bulldogs
5. Coll
6. WCE
7. Bris
8. StK
9. Ess.
10. GWS
11. Carl
12. Melb
13. NM
14. Freo
15. GC
16. Syd
17. Haw
18. Adel

[saynta]

What do the numbers in brackets after the players signify?

2019 games, ranking points?

No, 2020 games

[CQ SAINT]

What do the numbers in brackets after the players signify?

2019 games, ranking points?

No, 2020 games

Lol. Of course. Thanks.

[SaintJohno]

I still feel like we're not at the top of our build and may be a year or two away from the chance at glory. I look at Geelong's midfield and forward line, Richmond's x-factor and even the Dog's midfield now, and I still think there is a step up to really get top 4 and a solid chance. Can't wait for this year. Everything may just click, but happy to enjoy the next 5 years after the last 10.

[ace]

What do the numbers in brackets after the players signify?

2020 Games played & KFC SuperCoach Average points.

[fugazi]

I reckon we are right in the window.

Brad Crouch is underrated if anything. Gun player when Adelaide were a force.

Another preseason into Max,

Longer quarters will make Brad Hill an asset again

If Paddy and Hannas hamstrings hopefully hold up

Gresham and Higgins waxing between midfield and forward pocket

We are up to our eyeballs in 2021

[cwrcyn]

Yes , from the 2020 midfield we'll add Hannebery (8 games in 2020), Crouch, and Gresham (11 games in 2020).....and possibly Higgins and Bytel. If al those guys stay fit, the flexibility and potency of our midfield will certainly improve. If you compare it to 3 years ago, what a difference!

[desertsaint]

Oh. 8th, not 8 out of 10. In that case i reckon we're ranked slightly low. No mention of Hunter either.

[CQ SAINT]

Oh. 8th, not 8 out of 10. In that case i reckon we're ranked slightly low. No mention of Hunter either.

Perhaps equal 5th/6th, in a pinch.

[SaintPav]

8th is looking were we were. We are a growth stock with plenty of upside.

Buy.

[The Fireman]

I would have preferred he rated us lower. I hope everyone rates us lower.


I look forward to next season with some real confidence

[samuraisaint]

North's were rated as 6th last year - how did that work out?