Brett Munro, opposition coach for the Gold Coast SUNS, previews Saturday’s game against St Kilda at Metricon Stadium.
The Saints head into the round 19 clash with a bank of confidence, coming off their best win for the season following a comprehensive 58-point demolition of Fremantle.
On the contrast, Gold Coast has spent the week sharping its skills, after suffering its worst loss for 2014 at the hands of QClash rival, Brisbane.
The Key Numbers
Clearances: average
Gold Coast 41 (3rd)
St Kilda 37 (15th)
Contested Possessions: avg.
Gold Coast 146 (2nd)
St Kilda 127 (17th)
Tackles: avg.
Gold Coast 68 (8th)
St Kilda 66 (11th)
Disposals For: avg.
Gold Coast 350 (14th)
St Kilda 346 (16th)
Kick Efficiency % For: avg.
Gold Coast 63.6% (15th)
St Kilda 64.3% (12th)
The Key Players
12 Nick Riewoldt & 28 Rhys Stanley
The St Kilda tall forwards dominated in round 18 vs Fremantle for a combined 49 disposals (Riewoldt 30 / Stanley 19), 30 marks (16/14) and hit the scoreboard combining for seven goals (4/3).
While Riewoldt is having another outstanding season individually, averaging 16 disposals & 8 marks (and currently sitting 7th in the race for the Coleman Medal with 42.15) it was the standout performance of Stanley that contributed strongly to the win vs. Fremantle
7 Lenny Hayes
Lenny Hayes will step out in game No. 293 this weekend, after announcing that he will retire at the conclusion of the 2014 season.
Hayes leads from the front, with an uncompromising attack on the ball. He has continued to perform at a high level throughout 2014 averaging 25 disposals, five clearances, seven tackles & four inside 50s. The chemistry Hayes has with Riewoldt is uncanny, regularly finding him on a lead from a midfield clearance.
St Kilda Round 19 AFL Premiership Team
B: D.Roberton J.Gwilt S.Dempster
HB: S.Savage L.Delaney S.Fisher
C: J.Newnes L.Hayes L.Montagna
HF: A.Schneider N.Riewoldt T.Curren
F: J.Billings R.Stanley J.Bruce
Foll: B.Longer D.Armitage M.Weller
Inter: J.Steven, F.Ray B.Murdoch L.Dunstan
Em: S.Ross S.Dunell C.Shenton
In the Media
Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna believes his team still has what it takes to achieve a maiden finals berth, but needs to make a strong statement against St Kilda on Saturday night.
"Everything's been going rosy; well, here's a dip. What do we do now? Do we go down to the water-coooler talks and cry on each other's shoulders or do we stand and fight? That's certainly what I'm all about.
"We're all in this together. You've got to help each other out. We're going to fight our way out of this. We're not fading out of the season.
"We'll determine our own destiny, no-one else."
St Kilda has been boosted with the return of reigning Best and Fairest winner, Jack Steven, and Guy McKenna’s coaching counterpart in Alan Richardson is looking forward to having one of his best ball-winners back in the midfield department.
“It’s good to have Jack back.
“It’s been three weeks since he’s played and he just gives us real energy and drive. He’s a quality player and we are just pleased that he’s back in the team.”
