The stand out in this game for me was our defensive pressure and contested work was right up when compared to the previous game. This meant that the Saints players were always kicking under pressure and so they found it hard to hit targets. It was a whole of team effort to provide this outcome. It shows we will most likely be a finalist again this season. I was really encouraged by the performance of Stephens. Clarke should also get an honourable mention for his defensive work as well as bobbing up with a goal or two.
I think there will be little reason to change this winning team for next week. Only possibilities are McDonald out for Armetey and McInerney in for a fringe player.
If I was a Saints' supporter, I would have been bitterly disappointed with that performance. They had everything to play for but did not step up at all. We could have won that game by even more but it still gives us a welcome percentage boost. Bring on Essendon, where there will be a big Melbourne Swans contingent in attendance.
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