In the next few weeks until the start of the 2010 season on 25th March 2010 we will review in depth every 16 clubs. We started off with Fremantle, then the Bulldogs, the Kangaroos and Collingwood. Last week we have looked at Richmond, Sydney, the West Coast Eagles, the Essendon and Melbourne. This week we start off with Geelong and now look at the other Grand Final team from last year.
After Kick2Kick reviews each club, we will give their full season 2010 predictions like we did last year. If you would like to review a team or something else, please contact us.
What happened last year?
Well, what can one say about the 2009 Saints. They only lost the 3 games last year, for a combined total of 18 points, and 1 premiership. Unfortunately for the Saints a superb year, led by a magnificent defence, where they produced a winning streak of 19 games and probably were the favourites going into the Grand Final, just couldn’t get over the line on that one day in September.
He may have had a great year on face value, the one thing he didn’t do was perform in the Grand Final. When the Saints needed someone to stand up in the final quarter he wasn’t there
Big years from Brendan Goddard, Sam Fisher and Nick Riewoldt helped them produce some great footy and take them through to the finals with a fantastic percentage of 155%.
What will happen in 2010?
The Saints haven’t lost too much in the way of talent from 2009, Luke Ball is a loss but as he was on the outer and not getting much game time, they have probably already covered his loss. Saints fans will be confident of another great year, as seen by their progress through to the NAB Cup Final.
It would seem the Saints are the same strong unit and there is no reason to believe they will fall away. A strong determination to redeem themselves and take the chocolates will drive the Saints deep into the finals again this year. Expect a lot of steely looks and understated celebrations this year, they might only sing the song in the last week of September.
Likely finish: Top 2.
Players to watch
David Armitage: Tipped by Saints fans as a ready-made replacement for Ball, Armitage shows he has the skills to not only find the ball but make effective use of it. He made a huge impression when he got his chance last year with 3 Brownlow votes against the Hawks, he’s ready for a breakout year.
Ben McEvoy: The talented ruckman has shown improvement when he’s had chances and with the Saints ruck stocks relying on two injury prone veterans, look out for the youngster to take his opportunities this year and force his way into a permanent role.
Bench Warmers
Leigh Fisher: Being demoted to the rookie list is really just putting him on the life support. He’s not part of Lyons plans and there are many young guys waiting in the wings. The only thing that saved him was Maguire and Hudghton leaving.
Raphael Clarke: When I’ve seen him play I’ve often thought “How does he get a game?” Saints fans also give him a caning and without his brother at the club, I can’t see him staying long.
Needs to improve
Justin Koschitzke: While he may have had a great year on the face of it, the one thing he didn’t do was perform in the Grand Final. When the Saints needed someone to stand up in the final quarter he wasn’t there. Too much was left to Riewoldt and he needed to do more.
Your thoughts
- Will the Saints have as good a year as 2009?
- Will they go one better?
- Will Ross Lyon ever admit he’s made a mistake? (Not playing Ball much in the GF, Ball leaving, recruiting Lovett, cutting Lovett)
- Will Riewoldt’s knee hold out through the year?
March 17th, 2010 at 9:40 am
I dont know about the Saints….
Yes they ave not lost much from last year (and depends how good Peake goes), they may have even slightly improved but i still feel there is a big question mark on them.
I think top four is a definite but top two????
To me they have big question marks on the consistency of their forward line (apart from Riewoldt) and they still look one paced (think Lovett is a HUGE loss).
March 17th, 2010 at 11:18 am
Peake didn’t impress me at all, I didn’t see anything in the NAB cup that suggested he was anything special.
And now with Fisher down for a few weeks, could the rot have started?
March 17th, 2010 at 3:49 pm
He is funny to watch, he runs and then he thinks “oh no, what do i do with the football?”, good runner and if Lyon and others can educate him, he will be a good footballer.
Reminds me a lot of Mainwaring, not the best disposal or footy brain but if you can direct where and how he runs he will be an asset to St Kilda.
March 23rd, 2010 at 1:54 pm
I REALLY want the Saints to win the Grand Final, particularly after last year, and I reckon they have the goods to do it. BUT, the WB give me pause as the addition of Hall makes a big difference to their style of play and goal kicking. I give the Saints 50/50, if they can maintain their high standard.