In round 5, St. Kilda recovered from one of the clubs worst losses in recent memory with one their best wins since their round-7 win over Carlton last season. Here's what I loved about this game.
They didn't mentally disengage after the first quarter. At quarter time they were down by 3 goals, and didn't look all that good. If not for a few missed kicks from set shots, the score would have been worse. It must have been very difficult for them not to see a continuation of round 4's calamity, and just give up. But they didn't give up, they pressed on and battled back.
They played a complete game. Sure there were short stints in which they lapsed a little, but kept pressing until the end. They had drawn even by half time, and steadily drew ahead in the third. Then they finished it off in the last term. Even when they looked a little tired, and the Dons looked a little inspired, StK held them off and finished strong.
Nick Riewoldt. Sure, he's always been a star, from day one. But this year, he's being a leader, and that's way more important. He's inspiring younger players to work harder, run faster, jump higher. He's helping Richo get his message out, and ensure everyone buys into it. He's pushing himself like a man who's out to prove to the world that he's not washed up (if anyone was thinking that) and show that this team with no superstar, mid-career player can still play some good footy (which almost everyone doubted). The energy and passion Riewoldt instills in this club are tangible. And it doesn't hurt that he's equal top in the Coleman race and nearly there in the marking contest.
Rhys Stanley, Adam Schneider, and Jack Steven. Man, it was so good to see Schneider back on the field. I've been missing his quick moves and quirky smile for a long time. And Steven has honestly got to be the fastest man in the world not running on a track. When he takes the ball and suddenly emerges from the scrum, it sometimes seems like some invisible force is pushing him. Seriously, it is amazing every time, and it makes the others look like they're jogging. Stanley had a bad season in 2013. He was continually stuck in a different position, and routinely beaten by his opponent. But if you look back to 2012, you'll recall that he played primarily in the forward line and he looked like a promising young star. I think it's because he has the mentality of a forward. When his aim is to mark the ball, instead of keep the other guy from marking, he does very well. And with his height and strong build, he could be as good as Kosi was at the apex of his career.
All the talent that wasn't even on the field. The Saints are beginning to look like a club with more talent than they can even use. What? Call me overly optimistic, or even just mad, but I'm serious. Think of all the talent in the club that wasn't seen on Saturday: Gilbert, Armitage, Ross (a few minutes), Fisher, Roberton, Lee, Siposs, Maister, Wright, Longer, Milera, Simpkin... all of these players are or have the potential to be contributors. That's really good news. I suppose most clubs have a similar stockpile, but I'm confident that as these players develop, the competition for spots in the list will be a powerful factor, and injuries/fatigue will have a diminished impact.
Overall, it was a great game, and it makes me excited to see what else they can do this season.
