We had a truly dangerous forward line. Don't forget Higgins, JZ and Cunners when they went forward. Equally as deadly at times.
If the stopper went to Petrie, Waite and Brown would get going. If they went to Waite, Petrie and Brown would get going. Then when Petrie retired, if they went to Brown, it was Waite off the leash etc.
We were hard to matchup against up forward if we were switched on in the middle. Waite's start to the 2016 season before injury was just about his career-best. I think everything that came towards him stuck to his hands. They double and triple-teamed him and that wasn't enough.
I felt like Boomer didn't kick as many goals as he could've because his ball use was crucial up the field when our mids rested. So it was always going to be difficult to keep him forward permanently because he was still a ball magnet even in his last season! Averaging 20+ disposals that season at 38 is incredible.
I think Thomas is criminally underrated. He is our last player that could crumb a pack consistently. Very dangerous forward when playing on instinct. Carlton shivered when he played against them. Wood I didn't really rate as highly because his consistency was just all over the place. Would have a great month playing nice footy then go missing then play a few good games then go missing. It was a tease. He fits St Kilda perfectly.
Daw's ability was vastly improved when he played intercept defender down back. He seemed to gain a lot more confidence in his ability to take grabs and read plays. When he went forward, he looked more ominous and his goal kicking looked a lot better around that time. I also think Garner was a wildcard because the kid had so much talent but couldn't get on the park. Strong hands, could kick goals effortlessly, classy and was just overall a nice player.
Aaron Black's 2013 season is so underrated. Beautiful set shot, could kick them on the run and was a mobile forward even though he was a tall! My favourite game of his was the Boomer 350th. I swear he had every Saints defender go to him and none of them could stop him. Just a freak footballer that yet again got crucified by injuries.
Reminiscing this stuff is making me shake my head because it was truly bizarre how you can have all that firepower but not get close enough for a flag
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