LESSONS FROM LAST WEEK

The side’s effort against Brisbane last week was unacceptable. We overused the ball and our decision-making was poor. The most disappointing aspect of the game was that we fell away so badly.

OUR CHANCES AGAINST THE SAINTS

We have a new coach and we are facing a club that is desperate to keep their finals chances alive. So, there is no doubt it is going to be a tough game for us to win. I think the most important thing for us is to compete.

THE CHANGE OF COACH

Every player will be looked upon very closely and some players will be literally playing for their careers. Our goal from now until the end of the season is to establish who is up to AFL standard and who is not. I just hope, for their sake, our players understand the reality of the situation.

OUR FORWARD SET UP

Brad Fisher has been pretty good for us most of the year and he is starting to kick a few goals. Jarrad Waite we can play either back or forward. If he does play forward then he will certainly have to kick a few goals. In saying that, it will be difficult for all our forwards.

ST KILDA’S FORM

They run the ball extremely well and create a lot of space for Fraser Gehrig and Nick Riewoldt in the forward 50. Most of their attacks are launched from defence.

Leigh Montagna has been the biggest improver for St Kilda this year; he is in fantastic form. Nick Dal Santo, Robert Harvey and Luke Ball are all quality players.

GEHRIG MILESTONE

I am sure Fraser will be fired up for his 250th game and I am sure his teammates would really like to win for him. Setanta O’hAilpin may play on him, but obviously we have plenty of other options like Bret Thornton.

THE NEXT SIX ROUNDS

We are going to up against it, we know that, but we have to compete fiercely and hopefully we can do well not only against St Kilda on Saturday but for the rest of the season. The players’ spirit has to be really good along with their endeavour to compete. All you can ask is that they persist.

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the club.