News 2023 St Kilda Media Thread

[Mat Mann]

Was it true that players from brisbane “dropped themselves”? I think that shows a lot of maturity if true

what a load of crap they dropped themselves, never ever would a player drop themself. more like its a staged break off the back of poor form

 

[g_TRAIN]

what a load of crap they dropped themselves, never ever would a player drop themself. more like its a staged break off the back of poor form

Fagan clarified that they were in fact dropped.

Essentially he told them both it was going to be very hard to pick them this week and this is what he thought they should do. They then "Agreed" to that.

 

[Jayman15]

Simon Lethlean on SEN breakfast 22/6

 

[sammm]

Open Book with Liam Stocker: Once a silent battle, now a voice for change

For the better part of a decade, Stocker was fighting a silent battle which went by largely unnoticed by those around him. Now, he's telling his story to help those with mental ill-health.

www.saints.com.au

 

[Winmar2Lockett]

Simon Lethlean on SEN breakfast 22/6

Gresh sounds gonski

 

[bergholt]

Captain’s moment: St Kilda need a statement game from their man of Steele

Another highly revered on-field leader is dealing with the challenge of a personal form slump while needing to inspire his side to greater heights.

www.theage.com.au

 

[bergholt]

Captain’s moment: St Kilda need a statement game from their man of Steele

Another highly revered on-field leader is dealing with the challenge of a personal form slump while needing to inspire his side to greater heights.

www.theage.com.au

Kane Cornes
AFL columnist

Jack Steele left Greater Western Sydney for St Kilda at the end of 2016 wanting a regular spot in an AFL team – and none of the stress that came from finding his place in the line-up in jeopardy after just one poor performance.
As skipper at St Kilda, first in a co-captain role with Jarryn Geary in 2021 and then as lone captain since last season, Steele might have expected more security in match committee meetings at Moorabbin.

Jack Steele has battled for form for the Saints.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
Steele certainly had credits in the bank - two All-Australian selections (2020 and 2021) and club champion trophies in the same seasons.
But this is the season when captains are measured as equals at selection, as noted at league-leading Port Adelaide with the dropping and continued absence of skipper Tom Jonas.

Fremantle captain Alex Pearce is also not having a meaningful influence on his team’s performance. Holding a shut-down defensive post, Pearce is solely focused on his opponent, resulting in a low disposal and intercept mark count. You could watch an entire Fremantle game and sometimes not even realise he is playing.
The form of Richmond captain Dylan Grimes is worrying as is that of Carlton captain and Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps, despite his blistering three-goal performance against Gold Coast at the MCG at the weekend.


On Friday night, Steele must lead a St Kilda team fighting for credibility as a top-eight contender ... and deal with that stress he sought to avoid by leaving the talented GWS midfield group.
So, another highly revered on-field leader is dealing with the challenge of a personal form slump with his once-inspiring form reduced to mere embers, compounded by the need to lead St Kilda out of a win-loss sequence that has denied the Saints consecutive victories after starting the season with four on a trot.

Steele is a brave, old-fashioned, no-fuss captain living up to the memory of St Kilda great Lenny Hayes who has returned to his home club as an assistant coach to Ross Lyon.
Like Hayes, Steele can impose himself through his work rate and ability to win the ball in the contest. But too often this season, this aspect of his trademark game has disappeared.
The crucial match-up with the Brisbane Lions puts the universally respected skipper in the
spotlight again. He will be tested on his resilience as well as his ability to inspire his underperforming midfield and all of his teammates.
It is the captain’s moment.

Steele must produce a strong statement after last week’s disappointing individual and team performance that left St Kilda at 8-5 after the 20-point loss to Richmond. In wet conditions that perfectly suited Steele’s combative style of play, he was again ineffective. He had only one effective kick, one inside 50, one score involvement and gained just 29 metres.
His midfield partners were torched by the hungrier Tigers, led by Tim Taranto (10 tackles), Dustin Martin (eight score involvements) and veteran Trent Cotchin who produced a vintage performance in his 300th game, kicking two goals and winning five clearances.

Jack Steele of the Saints and Shai Bolton of the Tigers.CREDIT:AFL PHOTOS
In the post-match media conference, Lyon was perplexed at the reports that Steele was struggling with a knee injury.
“There’s certainly no knee issue, that’s for sure. I think he’s had some general soreness,” Lyon said. “I actually asked [football manager] Dave Misson – I’m not sure where the knee issue came from, where that got reported from because it’s actually inaccurate.”

So, there is no excuse, although Lyon did admit Steele has had to be managed at times this year. He broke his collarbone during the round two win against the Western Bulldogs and courageously played out the game. Since then, there is a notable drop-off in form.
Steele’s averages this season are alarming – the fewest disposals and contested possessions since 2019, the fewest clearances since 2016 and the fewest tackles since 2018. It is a far cry from his best season in 2021 when he dominated the contest, at the clearances and with his pressure on the opposition. That season he rated as elite for goals, score assists and above average for score involvements.

Steele is not the only headache for Lyon. His midfield group lacks A-grade talent. No St Kilda midfielder rates in the top 35 per cent of on-ballers for goals and score involvements this season.
Seb Ross, Brad Crouch, Marcus Windhager and Steele are triers who bring strong effort but do not hurt the opposition on the scoreboard, hence the successful move of All-Australian half-back Jack Sinclair into the middle. Unlike his midfield teammates, Sinclair penetrates with his disposals and is the most damaging of the lot.

It is time for Lyon to end his resistance to injecting second-year gun and Rising Star fancy Mitch Owens to the midfield.
Owens thrives in the contest, is an elite one-on-one player and has the forward craft to expose opposition midfielders who struggle to defend. He has all the assets to be a Nat Fyfe-style midfielder. Playing forward against Richmond, Owens was wasted. He managed just two kicks and was held scoreless.
Steele cannot hide. When a team’s captain is out of form, it stands out and has the potential to become a distraction. If it continues, a giant bear sits on the backs of the whole club.
Friday night is a significant game for the Saints – it is Spud’s Game: a match for mental health. It has become a vital and emotional fixture for the club as it helps raise funds for various mental health initiatives managed at the Danny Frawley Centre.

Sometimes, as a leader, on the big stage, you must stand up. The time is now for Steele and his under-siege midfield.

 

[austinnn]

Can I request a paywall breaking transcript for the following articles on The Age website?

In-form Saint commits to new deal; Cats urged to lock away out-of-contract defender​

• byMarc McGowan

Cousins speaks out on former side; Bombs away a plane mistake; the Sicily situation​

• bySam McClure

 

[jwikked]

Kane Cornes
AFL columnist

Jack Steele left Greater Western Sydney for St Kilda at the end of 2016 wanting a regular spot in an AFL team – and none of the stress that came from finding his place in the line-up in jeopardy after just one poor performance.
As skipper at St Kilda, first in a co-captain role with Jarryn Geary in 2021 and then as lone captain since last season, Steele might have expected more security in match committee meetings at Moorabbin.

Jack Steele has battled for form for the Saints.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
Steele certainly had credits in the bank - two All-Australian selections (2020 and 2021) and club champion trophies in the same seasons.
But this is the season when captains are measured as equals at selection, as noted at league-leading Port Adelaide with the dropping and continued absence of skipper Tom Jonas.

Fremantle captain Alex Pearce is also not having a meaningful influence on his team’s performance. Holding a shut-down defensive post, Pearce is solely focused on his opponent, resulting in a low disposal and intercept mark count. You could watch an entire Fremantle game and sometimes not even realise he is playing.
The form of Richmond captain Dylan Grimes is worrying as is that of Carlton captain and Brownlow medallist Patrick Cripps, despite his blistering three-goal performance against Gold Coast at the MCG at the weekend.


On Friday night, Steele must lead a St Kilda team fighting for credibility as a top-eight contender ... and deal with that stress he sought to avoid by leaving the talented GWS midfield group.
So, another highly revered on-field leader is dealing with the challenge of a personal form slump with his once-inspiring form reduced to mere embers, compounded by the need to lead St Kilda out of a win-loss sequence that has denied the Saints consecutive victories after starting the season with four on a trot.

Steele is a brave, old-fashioned, no-fuss captain living up to the memory of St Kilda great Lenny Hayes who has returned to his home club as an assistant coach to Ross Lyon.
Like Hayes, Steele can impose himself through his work rate and ability to win the ball in the contest. But too often this season, this aspect of his trademark game has disappeared.
The crucial match-up with the Brisbane Lions puts the universally respected skipper in the
spotlight again. He will be tested on his resilience as well as his ability to inspire his underperforming midfield and all of his teammates.
It is the captain’s moment.

Steele must produce a strong statement after last week’s disappointing individual and team performance that left St Kilda at 8-5 after the 20-point loss to Richmond. In wet conditions that perfectly suited Steele’s combative style of play, he was again ineffective. He had only one effective kick, one inside 50, one score involvement and gained just 29 metres.
His midfield partners were torched by the hungrier Tigers, led by Tim Taranto (10 tackles), Dustin Martin (eight score involvements) and veteran Trent Cotchin who produced a vintage performance in his 300th game, kicking two goals and winning five clearances.

Jack Steele of the Saints and Shai Bolton of the Tigers.CREDIT:AFL PHOTOS
In the post-match media conference, Lyon was perplexed at the reports that Steele was struggling with a knee injury.
“There’s certainly no knee issue, that’s for sure. I think he’s had some general soreness,” Lyon said. “I actually asked [football manager] Dave Misson – I’m not sure where the knee issue came from, where that got reported from because it’s actually inaccurate.”

So, there is no excuse, although Lyon did admit Steele has had to be managed at times this year. He broke his collarbone during the round two win against the Western Bulldogs and courageously played out the game. Since then, there is a notable drop-off in form.
Steele’s averages this season are alarming – the fewest disposals and contested possessions since 2019, the fewest clearances since 2016 and the fewest tackles since 2018. It is a far cry from his best season in 2021 when he dominated the contest, at the clearances and with his pressure on the opposition. That season he rated as elite for goals, score assists and above average for score involvements.

Steele is not the only headache for Lyon. His midfield group lacks A-grade talent. No St Kilda midfielder rates in the top 35 per cent of on-ballers for goals and score involvements this season.
Seb Ross, Brad Crouch, Marcus Windhager and Steele are triers who bring strong effort but do not hurt the opposition on the scoreboard, hence the successful move of All-Australian half-back Jack Sinclair into the middle. Unlike his midfield teammates, Sinclair penetrates with his disposals and is the most damaging of the lot.

It is time for Lyon to end his resistance to injecting second-year gun and Rising Star fancy Mitch Owens to the midfield.
Owens thrives in the contest, is an elite one-on-one player and has the forward craft to expose opposition midfielders who struggle to defend. He has all the assets to be a Nat Fyfe-style midfielder. Playing forward against Richmond, Owens was wasted. He managed just two kicks and was held scoreless.
Steele cannot hide. When a team’s captain is out of form, it stands out and has the potential to become a distraction. If it continues, a giant bear sits on the backs of the whole club.
Friday night is a significant game for the Saints – it is Spud’s Game: a match for mental health. It has become a vital and emotional fixture for the club as it helps raise funds for various mental health initiatives managed at the Danny Frawley Centre.

Sometimes, as a leader, on the big stage, you must stand up. The time is now for Steele and his under-siege midfield.

Kane Cornes is 100% right. I don’t think I disagree with any part of this article.

Why can’t he be this measured and accurate in his other media positions?

 

[bergholt]

Can I request a paywall breaking transcript for the following articles on The Age website?

In-form Saint commits to new deal; Cats urged to lock away out-of-contract defender​

• byMarc McGowan

CREDIT:
Carlton’s interest in restricted free agent Jade Gresham has added to the fascination around their list situation in the coming months.
The Blues are among the suitors for the St Kilda star, a source familiar with the discussions told Money Talks. Gresham is yet to make a call on his playing future as he adjusts to life under new coach Ross Lyon.
None of Gresham’s 125 games to date was a final, with injury robbing him of the chance in recent seasons, on top of the Saints’ rollercoaster form. St Kilda are in fifth spot and on track to play finals, which could play a role in the 25-year-old’s decision.
Making the circumstances more intriguing is that the Saints are pursuing out-of-contract Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning, although any transaction would need to be a trade.

Mitch McGovern wants to remain in navy blue, while fellow defender Brodie Kemp – the No.17 pick in the 2019 draft – is close to signing a multi-year deal.

Jade Gresham. CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
David Cuningham, Paddy Dow, Caleb Marchbank, Nic Newman, Sam Philp, Lachie Plowman and Jack Silvagni are also out of contract at season’s end, while the contracted Zac Fisher is eager for more opportunities.

In-form Saint re-commits​

St Kilda’s leading goalkicker Jack Higgins is poised to extend his stay at Moorabbin.

Jack Higgins is playing the best football of his career in 2023.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
The ex-Tiger, a top-20 draft pick in 2017, crossed to the Saints on a three-year deal that expires at season’s end, but will continue to kick goals for Ross Lyon’s side on a new long-term contract, sources familiar with negotiations confirmed.
Higgins has played his best football for St Kilda and is on track to shatter his career-high season goal tally, with 25 in 13 games – only five short of his personal best from last year. Dan Butler (21) and Mitch Owens (15) come in next for the Saints.
The skilful small forward, 24, has kicked at least three goals in a game four times in 2023, including five with 22 disposals in the round four defeat of Gold Coast.
He is four years removed from the brain surgery that followed scans revealing a brain bleed, and him fearing he would never play football again.

Tiger nearing contract for 2024​

Marlion Pickett is set to reclaim his spot in Richmond’s senior side after this week’s bye, edging him closer to guaranteeing his spot on next year’s list.
The 31-year-old had played every game this season before Tigers chief executive Brendon Gale announced he would sit out last week’s match with St Kilda after being charged with 12 alleged offences, including stealing, criminal damage to a property, and aggravated burglary.
A Perth court granted Pickett bail, and he plans to defend himself against the charges, his manager, Anthony Van Der Wielen confirmed.
Pickett needs to play only two more matches to meet a contract trigger that will earn him a contract for 2024, a source confirmed to Money Talks on the condition of anonymity.

The trait that makes touted No.1 pick special​

RELATED ARTICLE​

AFL 2023​

Harley Reid watch: Likely No.1 pick puts on a show at under-18 championships​

There is plenty to like about Harley Reid, but his Victoria Country coach Paul Corrigan rates one of his qualities above all others.
The 18-year-old forward-midfielder is considered certain to be the first player taken in this year’s AFL draft, a status that has come with an extraordinary amount of hype.
For some footballers, let alone teenagers, that pressure might be all-consuming, but not so for Reid, who doesn’t let much faze him and has hobbies, like hunting, that enable him to escape from the football bubble. Fellow Country rising star Zane Duursma, younger brother of Port Adelaide’s Xavier and Yasmin, and the potential No.2 pick, shares that skill as well.

“Harley doesn’t get consumed by external noise. He knows his ability and what he can do, and goes out and enjoys it without complicating what he needs to do – it’s his best trait,” Corrigan told Money Talks.
“He enjoys footy, and he might be playing a nationals game or for the AFL Academy, but he treats every game similar. Zane has a bit of that, too, and I think it helped playing [in the under-18 championships] last year.”
Reid and Duursma were standouts in Country’s surprise loss to South Australia at Ikon Park on Sunday. They were considered equal favourites pre-championships with the Allies, who are unbeaten through two games.
The Allies boast top-end talents such as Jed Walter, Ryley Sanders, Colby McKircher, Jake Rogers, Ethan Read and Connor O’Sullivan, but Country are not short on promise either, even beyond Reid and Duursma.
Darcy Wilson, Joel Freijah, Harry DeMattia, Archer Reid, George Stevens, Cooper Simpson and defensive duo Billy Wilson and Angus Hastie are all turning AFL recruiters’ heads.

“We used Darcy predominantly as a half-forward [on Sunday], but he’s one with a great running capacity and can break lines, so hopefully he comes into his own in the next three games,” Corrigan said.
“What’s good about Joel is he can win the ball at ground level, but is strong in the air, too, so he’s a hard match-up on the wing, and has the ability to go inside as well.”
Finn O’Sullivan returned from injury to play for Xavier College on Saturday and will feature for Country at some stage, after winning the Kevin Sheehan Medal as the Pool A best and fairest at last year’s under-16 championships.

Cats urged to lock away Esava​

Former Geelong forward Cameron Mooney wants his old side to do everything they can to ward off Port Adelaide’s interest and re-sign Esava Ratugolea.

Ratugolea made only four senior appearances in the Cats’ premiership year while transforming from a forward-ruck into a key defender, but played the first 11 matches in 2023 before suffering a hamstring setback.

Esava Ratugolea’s intercept marking has been outstanding in 2023.CREDIT:AFL PHOTOS
The Power tried to convince Geelong to trade the 24-year-old to them last year but Cats list boss Andrew Mackie did not budge. The Age confirmed last week that Ratugolea, whose contract expires at season’s end, remains on the SA club’s radar, along with North Melbourne’s unrestricted free agent defender Ben McKay.
The 197-centimetre Ratugolea is averaging 3.3 intercept marks this season, the equal-ninth most in the AFL.
“They’ve brought Ratugolea into their backline, and he’s shown how much ability he has,” Fox Footy’s Mooney told Money Talks.

“Give him another 50-odd games down there, and he could be an All-Australian – they’ve got to keep him. He and Sam De Koning could be the centrepiece for the next decade in that backline.
“I was talking to [fellow ex-Cat] Matty Stokes the other day, and I said I wouldn’t get a kick playing on De Koning and Ratugolea. They are so athletic and long. My whole game was to beat the bloke on a lead, and I’d beat them on a lead, but their reach would spoil me – and they’re not even at their prime. It’s actually unfair.”

Keen to deal​

In-form Western Bulldog Bailey Williams hopes to secure his future within the next few weeks as he closes on another multi-year contract.
The unrestricted free agent is playing arguably the best football of his career since moving onto a wing midway through last season, but went down back again on Sunday due to Liam Jones and Tim O’Brien’s injuries.

Williams, 25, plans to escape to Macedon for a few days in the Bulldogs’ mid-season break and would like to ink a fresh contract soon despite rival clubs showing interest in him.
“I’ve let my footy do the talking, and I want to hopefully get something done in the next couple of weeks – but we’ll see how we go,” he told Money Talks.

Bailey Williams. CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
“I’ve spoken to my manager [Michael Doughty, of TLA Australia] a little bit here and there, but I haven’t had much to do with it at all. I just want to stay focused on my footy.”
The 118-gamer is averaging 18 disposals and six marks, and has kicked more goals (nine) this year than in any season, with coach Luke Beveridge saying after Sunday’s win over North Melbourne that he was having “a tremendous year”.

Williams said being able to train as a winger for a full summer primed him for this season, but his focus was on trying to help the Bulldogs launch an assault on the premiership.
“We’ve shown glimpses throughout the year, but we sort of play good footy for a quarter then we have lapses where we probably fall off ... which against the good teams, you can’t really do that,” he said.
“So, hopefully, we can build in the second half of the year and give ourselves a good chance because I feel like our best footy is not too far off.”
The Dogs’ other unrestricted free agents are Oskar Baker, Taylor Duryea, Toby McLean, Tim O’Brien and Roarke Smith.

Crows on re-signing rampage​

RELATED ARTICLE​

AFL Briefing​

AFL 2023​

Bombers undergo brand review; Bulldogs dealt bitter blow; Dangerfield opens up on injury​

Adelaide re-signed young guns Chayce Jones, Jake Soligo, Harry Schoenberg and Max Michalanney in the past week but still have some interesting names out of contract.
Headlining that group are restricted free agent Tom Doedee – who is recovering from a second ACL rupture – former captains Taylor ‘Tex’ Walker and Rory Sloane, Shane McAdam, 2018 first-round draftee Jackson Hately, small forward Lachie Murphy, and one-time All-Australian Matt Crouch.
There are various opinions on how Doedee’s latest setback could impact his status, but the suspicion is it might aid the Crows’ chances of retaining the intercept defender.
McAdam has played just once this year because of a three-match suspension for his bump on Giant Jacob Wehr then a quad injury, which may have delayed his contract situation being resolved.

But the spring-heeled forward is highly rated at West Lakes and is poised to re-commit for at least two years.
Walker’s career resurgence has continued this season, kicking 38 goals in only 12 matches, a pace he surpassed just once before, in his 63-goal 2015 campaign. The 33-year-old will play into a 17th season, but there is again no rush from either party, after he waited until mid-July to re-sign last year.
There is far less certainty for veteran midfielder Crouch, who has played all but one game this season in the SANFL, where he is racking up 31 disposals and seven clearances per game.

 

[bergholt]

Cousins speaks out on former side; Bombs away a plane mistake; the Sicily situation​

• bySam McClure

It’s been a big week for the Bombers. Sorry, we mean Essendon.
As news filtered through this week that the club was considering feedback which questioned the organisation’s famous fighter plane emblem, several big names came out in opposition to any change.
Not least of whom was Matthew Lloyd, the 12-time Essendon leading goalkicker who told Nine’s Footy Classified he’d be “very disappointed” if his former club altered part of its fabric.
This weekend, Lloyd will go head-to-head with the man who succeeded him as Essendon captain, Jobe Watson, when Haileybury takes on Xavier College in school footy.

And in the context of the season, it’s a significant game.
Lloyd’s Haileybury, which includes likely first-round draft pick Archie Roberts, are undefeated after six games and the only rival to the all-conquering Caulfield Grammar – who are packed full of scholarship stars – for the APS premiership.

Matthew Lloyd doesn’t want the Bombers logo to change.CREDIT:THE AGE
Watson’s Xavier has also had a strong season, although two losses and a recent draw with Carey – coached by former Carlton caretaker coach John Barker – means they won’t be holding up the silverware this year.
The first XVIII players of both schools have access to some pretty elite mentors. Not only are Lloyd and Watson senior coaches, but Lloyd is flanked by Collingwood legend Scott Pendlebury, while Watson is aided by Xavier’s head of football, former Carlton assistant Dale Amos.




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Lloyd not happy with logo change​

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Essendon champion Matthew Lloyd doesn't want to see the club move away from its iconic Bomber jet logo
Saturday’s game will take place at Haileybury’s windswept home of Berwick and The Scoop has even been told there could be a drone flying above the oval to aid in player development.
Hopefully no one will confuse it for a fighter plane.

Eagles must maximise draft: Cousins​

West Coast great Ben Cousins says Eagles fans will need to exercise patience in the coming years, with the Brownlow medallist imploring his former club to play the “long game” in finding a way up the ladder.

Cousins, a four-time club champion and former captain, has been handed an expanded role with Channel Seven in Perth, in which he is reading morning sport bulletins.

Ben Cousins is now reading the morning sport bulletin on Perth television.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
It’s a major milestone for Cousins, who has continued his rehabilitation after a series of well documented off-field issues.
The 238-game champion told The Scoop he feels for his old club and believes there is one way out.
“It’s a difficult time that I don’t think has any quick fixes,” Cousins said.

“I believe the way out lies in the draft. To build on last year’s selections over the next two, three and four years.
“They are a club that has proven in the past they can develop players. Getting the important decisions regarding your draft strategy is vital.
“From a supporter point of view, in the short history of this football club we have been blessed with a really successful history, this time around it’s going to take some patience and understand it’s the long game.”
Cousins has been part of Seven News for over a year, where he’s broken down the week ahead on a Thursday night. Now his role has expanded.
“Presenting the sports news is certainly a different step. I’m out of my comfort zone but I’ve been rehearsing for a while now and it’s been great to get the first few bulletins away.”

Condensed bye is pie in the sky​

When it comes to the mid-season bye, the AFL has tried a myriad of combinations to make it work for players, fans and broadcasters.
It’s been over two weeks, three weeks and this year spread across a month of football, with the final byes coming this weekend.
And there has been plenty of opposition to the four-week period, including one of football’s most revered journalists, Mike Sheahan, who told 3AW this week: “We should have a bye, the competition should have a bye, so people can go where they want.”


Mike makes sense. Surely a full week off for everyone would be a better result, and would end the speculation about the potential advantage that teams have playing others off the bye.
But in speaking to high-ranking AFL officials this week, The Scoop has learnt that those inside AFL house quite like the current set-up, saying that a week off would cost the game too much “momentum”.
Last Saturday, the afternoon’s standalone game consisted of Greater Western Sydney handing Fremantle a 70-point thrashing in front of less than 9000 people.
This Saturday, the fixture sees Sydney hosting West Coast, followed by the Dockers v Essendon.
One game in Melbourne over two Saturdays? Hardly screams “momentum”.

Round and round we go​

Any potential coaching merry-go-round at season’s end will be decided by Damien Hardwick and Ken Hinkley.
After returning from Colorado recently, Hardwick has jetted off again, this time to Europe to relax and recharge for three weeks. When he returns in July, he will sit down with his manager Paul Connors and decide if, when and where he would see himself coaching again.

What does the future hold? Former Tigers coach Damien Hardwick.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
And while Hardwick will consistently be linked to Gold Coast – particularly if they have more results like Sunday’s humiliation at the hands of Carlton – industry eyes remain firmly on the intriguing situation developing at Port Adelaide, where of course Hardwick was a premiership player.

Well-placed Port Adelaide sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity have indicated to The Scoop this week that senior club figures believe Hinkley is the right man to continue as coach, however, Hinkley is still waiting for an offer of a contract extension.
The club has been firm publicly, saying any potential negotiations wouldn’t start until August.

Hawks discuss Sicily situation​

While senior Hawthorn figures, including James Sicily himself, have privately expressed their disappointment since the failed AFL Appeals Board hearing on Monday, the club will now turn to work out the captain’s role over the time of his suspension.
A club official, who didn’t wish to be named in order to speak freely, told The Scoop that the Hawks would decide on Thursday what Sicily will do over the next three weeks, but he’s expected to be on the plane to the Gold Coast this week for the clash with the Suns on Sunday.

 

[bergholt]

Kane Cornes is 100% right. I don’t think I disagree with any part of this article.

Why can’t he be this measured and accurate in his other media positions?

Even a stopped clock is right twice a day?

 

[Mavefromdelburn]

Good yarn with Windy on Yokayi Footy, from about 14:20

Yokayi Footy E15: Saint's lessons from Lenny, how DJ landed his 'iconic' barrel

The Yokayi Footy family reunites in this special episode featuring Marcus Windhager and Australian Dance Theatre's Daniel Riley

www.afl.com.au

 

[hayes]

 

[Diehard Saint]

Kane Cornes is 100% right. I don’t think I disagree with any part of this article.

Why can’t he be this measured and accurate in his other media positions?

Majority of what he said may be correct, but this is hyperbolic rubbish….

“On Friday night, Steele must lead a St Kilda team fighting for credibility as a top-eight contender ... and deal with that stress he sought to avoid by leaving the talented GWS midfield group.
So, another highly revered on-field leader is dealing with the challenge of a personal form slump with his once-inspiring form reduced to mere embers, compounded by the need to lead St Kilda out of a win-loss sequence that has denied the Saints consecutive victories after starting the season with four on a trot.”

How would he know whether Steele “sought to avoid stress”?
And yes, ok, he’s not performing to his usual standards right now due to injury or whatever, but “mere embers”?

What a croc, Kane.

 

[BrutThough]

Majority of what he said may be correct, but this is hyperbolic rubbish….

“On Friday night, Steele must lead a St Kilda team fighting for credibility as a top-eight contender ... and deal with that stress he sought to avoid by leaving the talented GWS midfield group.
So, another highly revered on-field leader is dealing with the challenge of a personal form slump with his once-inspiring form reduced to mere embers, compounded by the need to lead St Kilda out of a win-loss sequence that has denied the Saints consecutive victories after starting the season with four on a trot.”

How would he know whether Steele “sought to avoid stress”?
And yes, ok, he’s not performing to his usual standards right now due to injury or whatever, but “mere embers”?

What a croc, Kane.

That GWS line is a load of crap. What is he even trying to insinuate?

 

[Jayman15]

BJ on SEN Breakfast



————

On a side note good to see Kane put Dougal and Gresh on notice

 

[Joffaboy]

Can I request a paywall breaking transcript for the following articles on The Age website?

In-form Saint commits to new deal; Cats urged to lock away out-of-contract defender​

• byMarc McGowan

Cousins speaks out on former side; Bombs away a plane mistake; the Sicily situation​

• bySam McClure

ByMarc McGowan​

Updated June 22, 2023 — 1.10pmfirst published June 21, 2023 — 5.00am

Carlton’s interest in restricted free agent Jade Gresham has added to the fascination around their list situation in the coming months.
The Blues are among the suitors for the St Kilda star, a source familiar with the discussions told Money Talks. Gresham is yet to make a call on his playing future as he adjusts to life under new coach Ross Lyon.
None of Gresham’s 125 games to date was a final, with injury robbing him of the chance in recent seasons, on top of the Saints’ rollercoaster form. St Kilda are in fifth spot and on track to play finals, which could play a role in the 25-year-old’s decision.
Making the circumstances more intriguing is that the Saints are pursuing out-of-contract Carlton ruckman Tom De Koning, although any transaction would need to be a trade.

Mitch McGovern wants to remain in navy blue, while fellow defender Brodie Kemp – the No.17 pick in the 2019 draft – is close to signing a multi-year deal.

Jade Gresham. CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
David Cuningham, Paddy Dow, Caleb Marchbank, Nic Newman, Sam Philp, Lachie Plowman and Jack Silvagni are also out of contract at season’s end, while the contracted Zac Fisher is eager for more opportunities.

In-form Saint re-commits​

St Kilda’s leading goalkicker Jack Higgins is poised to extend his stay at Moorabbin.

Jack Higgins is playing the best football of his career in 2023.CREDIT:GETTY IMAGES
The ex-Tiger, a top-20 draft pick in 2017, crossed to the Saints on a three-year deal that expires at season’s end, but will continue to kick goals for Ross Lyon’s side on a new long-term contract, sources familiar with negotiations confirmed.
Higgins has played his best football for St Kilda and is on track to shatter his career-high season goal tally, with 25 in 13 games – only five short of his personal best from last year. Dan Butler (21) and Mitch Owens (15) come in next for the Saints.
The skilful small forward, 24, has kicked at least three goals in a game four times in 2023, including five with 22 disposals in the round four defeat of Gold Coast.
He is four years removed from the brain surgery that followed scans revealing a brain bleed, and him fearing he would never play football again.

​

 

[George]

 

[CursingFijian]

Brisbane stuffing their pie holes.

Lol.

 

[George]

 

[Mowman]

Thanks Champ

 

[Diehard Saint]

Any one get behind this paywall?

Ross Lyon says he ‘found out a lot about individuals’ in Friday night’s loss to the Lions.

STORY | bit.ly/3D2uIlf

 

[Jayman15]

Any one get behind this paywall?

Ross Lyon says he ‘found out a lot about individuals’ in Friday night’s loss to the Lions.

STORY | bit.ly/3D2uIlf

It’s a nothing article really just a couple of quotes from Ross’ press conference and a bit of a write up on the match.

 

[jwikked]

Any one get behind this paywall?

Ross Lyon says he ‘found out a lot about individuals’ in Friday night’s loss to the Lions.

STORY | bit.ly/3D2uIlf

St Kilda will build Spud’s Game into its biggest event on the football calendar despite a 0-3 record and last year’s vow to “apply a strong football lens to any cause games we consider undertaking”.
The Saints have won six out of their 18 cause games and the football department review that led to the sacking of coach Brett Ratten highlighted a need to “sharpen our focus on football, minimise distractions to the football program and maximise support”.
But the Saints could not blame preparations for Spud’s Game for their flat start against Brisbane Lions on Friday night after front-ending player and coaching commitments to promote the match.

Players, coaches and officials are seen as part of Spud's Game ceremony. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
They were all completed by Wednesday so the football department could focus solely on the clash, whereas commitments in previous years have stretched long into the week.
The Saints also tapped into Spud’s Game ambassadors and broader mental health advocates to help promote the game and have no plans to reconsider staging what has become a powerful initiative to tackle mental health.
“St Kilda is proud of its longstanding relationships with its community partners and acknowledges its responsibility and privilege to help champion issues that impact the wider community,” chief executive Simon Lethlean said on Saturday.
“The club will continue to support various causes in 2023 and beyond, such as Spud’s Game which raises money for mental health programs facilitated through the Danny Frawley Centre.
“However, as stated in the Football Program Review findings, the club will refine the involvement of its football program to minimise distractions where appropriate.”
Maddie’s Match and the Pride Game – where players wear special kits to promote other worthy causes – have also been constants in the Saints’ fixture. But those events require far less input from the football department.

Mitch Owens, Jade Gresham and Mason Wood of the Saints are seen as part of Spud's Game ceremony. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Saints do not want to let a handful of games dominate their football program and Spud’s Game is their priority.
While the Saints crashed to a shock loss against Essendon in Spud’s Game last year, the other two defeats have come against eventual premier Melbourne in 2021 and now the contending Lions.
The Saints were short on options to choose an opponent this year. Their only home games against Victorian teams before July came against Essendon and Hawthorn.
But the clash against the Bombers was a celebration of the club’s 150th anniversary while the clash against Hawthorn was played in indigenous Round.
The club did not want to leave Spud’s Game until late in the season, leaving home matches against Fremantle (round 1), Gold Coast (round 4), Port Adelaide (round 7) and the Lions (round 15) to choose from.

Spud's Game signage at Marvel Stadium. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Lions match made the most sense because it was broadcast under the Friday night lights. The Saints also had an eight-day break leading in.
The Saints came out flat, kicking two goals in the first half with their pressure rating a poor 163.
The AFL average is about 180. The Saints spiked to 192 in the second half as they fought back in clearances with Jack Sinclair moved onball.
“They monstered us around the ball in the first half, clearances 20-10,” coach Ross Lyon said.
“I thought we’d put up a better showing but we sit here disappointed.”
St Kilda will always support Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision for as long as opponent Richmond and the foundation remain keen to continue.
That match raises money for Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision to help find a cure for bone marrow failure and will be staged in round 22 this year.
Activations for this year’s Pride Game, which the Saints won to spoil Lance Franklin’s 350th match, was led by Sydney as the home team.

ST KILDA IN CAUSE GAMES​

Pride Match against Sydney 3-5 since 2016

Maddie’s Match against Richmond 3-4 since 2015

Spud’s Game 0-3 since 2021