Suns deal Hickey to Saints

Updated October 23, 2012 21:46:30

St Kilda has secured the services of young Gold Coast ruckman Tom Hickey in a deal that will see the Suns receive a first-round selection in the National Draft.

Gold Coast agreed to send Hickey, as well as picks 26 and 47, to Moorabbin Oval in exchange for the Saints' 13th, 37th and 57th picks.

The 201cm 21-year-old played 12 games for the Suns since his senior football debut against Adelaide in round 22, 2011.

He had notified Gold Coast that he wanted to return to Victoria to be near his partner at season's end.

St Kilda head of football Chris Pelchen hailed the recruitment of Hickey, saying his addition is a boost for the club.

"We are extremely pleased to have acquired Tom and at only 21 years of age, we feel he still has his best footy in front of him," he said in a club statement.

"We believe he will be an asset that will compliment the Saints' line-up."

Gold Coast football operations manager Marcus Ashcroft said the deal was great for the Suns going into the draft that they are hosting next month.

"We were really keen to gain a selection back inside the top 15 since exchanging our first round draft selection for the extremely talented Jack Martin through the trade incentive draft," he said.

"Our ability to add pick 13 to our selections in the upcoming draft means we will have the ability to draft another elite young player to our club next month."

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, qld, carrara-4211, st-kilda-3182, vic, australia

First posted October 23, 2012 21:25:44

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Saints part ways with Gram

Updated October 31, 2012 12:01:49

St Kilda has axed Jason Gram after the defender faced court on Tuesday charged with four counts of breaching an intervention order.

The club said in a statement that Gram had "failed to honour repeated undertakings ... concerning his behaviour."

The 28-year-old was arrested Monday and spent the night in custody.

The Moorabbin Magistrates Court heard Gram was already on bail after breaching an intervention order in early September.

"The club recognises that Jason's conduct has been of a non-violent nature," St Kilda said in a statement.

Gram was suspended indefinitely after he was charged on September 6, and underwent an AFL Players Association counselling program.

"Regrettably, the inappropriate behaviour has continued and his manager was advised yesterday that the club had decided to terminate Gram's contract, which had one year to run," the statement said.

"Gram was also advised of the termination in a meeting with club officials late this afternoon (Tuesday).

"The AFL has been informed of the situation and has supported the club's position."

Gram played with St Kilda for nine seasons, playing 154 games for the club since 2004.

He made his debut with Brisbane in 2003 after being drafted 19th overall in the 2001 National Draft.

Police allege that since he was charged in early September, he sent a woman 98 text messages and 16 Facebook messages.

They opposed his application for bail, but Gram's lawyer said the messages did not contain any threats and the arrest had been a big wake-up call for him.

Gram was granted bail on the condition that he stop contacting the woman.

He is due to appear in court again next month.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, st-kilda-3182, vic, australia

First posted October 30, 2012 20:36:45

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Saints' Gram charged with breaching order

Updated October 30, 2012 19:43:35

St Kilda footballer Jason Gram has appeared in court charged with four counts of breaching an intervention order.

The 28-year-old was arrested yesterday and spent the night in custody.

The Moorabbin Magistrates Court heard Gram was already on bail after breaching an intervention order in early September.

Police allege that he has since sent a woman 98 text messages and 16 Facebook messages.

They opposed his application for bail, but Gram's lawyer said the messages did not contain any threats and the arrest had been a big wake-up call for him.

Gram was granted bail on the condition that he stop contacting the woman.

He is due to appear in court again next month.

Gram has played 156 games and booted 71 goals since he made his debut in 2003.

Tags: courts-and-trials, australian-football-league, st-kilda-3182, moorabbin-3189

First posted October 30, 2012 16:08:07

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Goddard leaves Saints for Bombers

Updated October 02, 2012 08:22:21

It took just one day into the AFL's new free agency trade period for the Bombers to hit their big target, securing Brendon Goddard on a four-year deal from next season.

Essendon confirmed it had made a formal offer to St Kilda earlier on Monday, after the 28-year-old Goddard - a restricted free agent - agreed terms with the Bombers.

Just hours later, St Kilda confirmed it could only offer Goddard a three-year contract, sealing Goddard's departure to Windy Hill.

"We made a significant offer to Brendon that was relative to both his position and other players within the team," St Kilda head of football Chris Pelchen said.

"While we are disappointed at his decision to leave the Saints, we are absolutely committed to our 'team first' philosophy in relation to player contracts.

"While we were keen to retain Brendon's services, the club respects his right to exercise his options under new free agency rules."

Essendon said Goddard was currently on annual leave and unavailable for comment.

Coach James Hird and chief executive Ian Robson will hold a press conference on Tuesday.

Essendon assistant coach Mark Thompson believes Goddard will make an immediate difference.

"He's a quality player, he plays to win, he uses the ball well, he's a good size, he's very flexible, and we probably haven't got enough of those players," Thompson said on Fox Footy.

"I think he'll probably slip straight into the leadership group I'd say.

"Just his experience of playing big-time finals football, playing a style of footy that can win finals.

"He's been part of all that so just his general leadership around the club."

Goddard was named in St Kilda's leadership group in 2012, and was seen as a possible successor to Saints captain Nick Riewoldt.

He played 20 games for St Kilda in 2012, and has played 205 career games (scoring 104 goals) for the club since making his AFL debut in 2003.

As a restricted free agent, Goddard had to decide on the best offer of his choice from one rival club before his own club had 72 hours to decide whether to match that offer.

Had the Saints matched the offer, Goddard could have accepted, sought a trade or entered the AFL draft.

Also on Monday, the AFL advised no priority picks would be awarded to any clubs for the upcoming draft.

Under the previous rule, any team that accumulated 16 premiership points or less in a year was entitled to a selection prior to the second round of the AFL Draft, while any club with two consecutive seasons of 16 premiership points or less in a year, was entitled to a selection prior to the first round.

In February this season, the AFL decided a much-stricter criteria would be used to determine whether clubs were eligible for priority picks.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, st-kilda-3182, vic, australia, essendon-3040

First posted October 01, 2012 12:47:28

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Saints need Crows win to build momentum

Updated June 14, 2012 14:27:40

St Kilda's coach Scott Watters has heaped the pressure on his players to start winning consecutive AFL matches.

The Saints have had a patchy season to this point to sit just inside the top eight on percentage.

The only time St Kilda has strung together two wins in a row was in rounds two and three, with victories over Gold Coast and the Western Bulldogs respectively.

St Kilda plays fifth-placed Adelaide at Football Park on Friday night.

Watters says the game is a great chance for the players to deliver another four points before heading into the bye.

"We've probably had some honourable losses if there's such a term," Watters said.

"Like any side that wants to really establish itself you need repeat wins.

"Look it's a big challenge, we're well aware of where Adelaide sits, and the strength of their game and their list but we go over quietly confident we can be competitive."

The Saints' task to achieve consecutive wins has been made slightly easier with the news that Adelaide is unlikely to have utility Graham Johncock in the side for Friday night's match.

Johncock has not trained all week and was again missing during Adelaide's match-eve session on Thursday.

The veteran appears long odds to front against St Kilda in a match Crows defender Michael Doughty says is crucial for his club.

The Crows enter the game after a bye, while the Saints have just a six-day break following their away thrashing of Gold Coast.

The experienced backman said while Adelaide rested, the Saints collected invaluable confidence by winning in Queensland.

"It's a hard one to measure. They have been up in the Gold Coast and played a very good game of footy so they would be confident," he said.

"The confidence factor versus us having a week off - it's line ball, isn't it?

"I'd prefer our group to have the week off and get ready for this week."

Adelaide, the surprise packet of the season, are seeking to post their ninth win from 11 matches - a certain platform for a return to finals.

But Doughty said the early-season success didn't prompt a resetting of goals during the bye.

"You talk about the first 10 weeks and what we have achieved, but it's only a starting point," he said.

"This group is pretty determined to keep improving throughout the rest of the year."

ABC/AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, adelaide-5000, australia, sa

First posted June 14, 2012 14:27:40

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Crows escape surging Saints

Updated June 15, 2012 23:46:09

Spearhead Kurt Tippett kicked five goals as Adelaide eclipsed a fast-finishing St Kilda by four points on Friday night to join the top of the AFL table.

The Crows prevailed 17.13 (115) to 16.15 (111) at Football Park to post their ninth win of the season - level with pacesetters Collingwood and West Coast.

"I spent a lot of time looking at the scoreboard down forward and they just seemed to keep putting them on but luckily time ran out," Crows forward Jason Porplyzia told Grandstand.

"I remember Taylor Walker having a shot for goal a couple of minutes into the quarter and it was a sitter and he missed it from about 20 metres out.

"I thought 'geez I hope this doesn't cost us', and they went straight up the other end and kicked a goal and that seemed to spur em on a bit.

"But luckily we managed to hang on."

Tippett gave Adelaide an early ascendancy with three goals in the opening term against the Saints, who could slip out of the top eight by the end of the round.

Tippett and his dangerous team-mate Porplyzia (three goals) were the chief benefactors from an inspired ruck performance by Sam Jacobs.

The tap-man expertly fed a hungry bunch of Adelaide midfielders headed by the influential Scott Thompson and Patrick Dangerfield.

"It just seemed to fall my way - I spent a bit more time up forward and got on the end of a couple which was mice," Porplyzia said.

"I think we worked really well up there tonight as a forward group.

"We probably didn't have the dominance in the midfield that we've had in the past few weeks or it didn't feel like it anyway.

"The guys up there were making the most of their opportunities and working really well together."

The Saints, in contrast, had few clear winners apart from Nick Dal Santo, who was a stand-out with a tireless midfield display capped by two goals.

Skipper Nick Riewoldt and Arryn Sippos also kicked two majors but St Kilda were unable to bridge the early Tippett-created gap.

Tippett's initial onslaught was highlighted by a soaring mark as Adelaide established a 14-point lead by quarter-time.

Tippett leapt onto the back of Saint Justin Koschitzke and completed the spectacular overhead mark before converting his second major.

His team-mate Porplyzia took centre stage with a second stanza purple patch, booting three classy goals as the Crows created a five-goal break on the Saints.

But just as the visitors appeared on the ropes, they hit back with five of the next eight goals to creep back into a free-scoring contest.

Two late goals by Adam Schneider brought St Kilda within touch at half-time, 16 points down.

But the visitors withered in the third as Adelaide powered to a match-defining advantage, the Crows kicking five goals to St Kilda's two for the term to establish a 31-point buffer at three quarter-time.

But the Crows wobbled when Dal Santo and Riewoldt started final term scoring with goals as the margin was reduced to 21 points.

Tippett then stole the spotlight again, booting his fifth goal to restore Adelaide's command before two late majors by Saint goalsneak Stephen Milne got his side within 10 points with two minutes remaining.

But the visitors ultimately ran out of time with Leigh Montagna kicking a goal after the final siren to shrink the margin.

Adelaide: 17.13 (115) - Tippett 5, Porplyzia 3, Walker 2, Wright 2, Callinan 2, Thompson, MacKay, Jacobs

St Kilda: 16.15 (111) - Milne 3, Riewoldt 2, Schneider 2, Dal Santo 2, Montagna 2, Siposs 2, Goddard, Armitage, Steven.

AAP/ABC

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, adelaide-5000, sa, st-kilda-3182, vic, australia

First posted June 15, 2012 23:30:43

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Riewoldt bags eight as Tigers down Saints

Updated June 01, 2012 23:11:44

Richmond needed an eight-goal haul from Jack Riewoldt and enormous character to post its first win over St Kilda in eight years at Docklands on Friday night.

The Tigers led for most of the night, but the Saints threatened to produce a remarkable comeback victory when they came from 20 points down early in the last quarter to hit the lead with four straight goals.

But Richmond responded with three goals in time-on - two to Riewoldt and one to youngster Brandon Ellis - to surge clear and win 18.13 (121) to 16.17 (113) in front of 49,337 fans.

Riewoldt's haul continued his form resurgence, after he booted six in last weekend's win over Hawthorn.

It took him to top place in the Coleman Medal race with 31 goals for the season.

Midfielders Trent Cotchin (28 disposals) and Brett Deledio (29) continued their stellar seasons, Ivan Maric dominated against a depleted Saints ruck brigade and Steven Morris kept Stephen Milne fairly quiet.

"It's a relief," Tigers skipper Chris Newman admitted to Grandstand.

"It was tight all game and St Kilda are quality opposition, they never say die and they came back at us and hit the front.

"I'm just really happy with the resolve of the group.

"There's a huge amount of belief that we've got and ... I guess it's just another game and we've got to try and dust it off and play next week against Freo."

For the Saints, youngster David Armitage and veteran Lenny Hayes battled extremely hard in the midfield, Hayes having 16 second-half touches to try to drag his side over the line, while Brendon Goddard also had a big game.

Goalsneak Ahmed Saad was a danger man with three majors and Nick Riewoldt battled hard against Alex Rance to also kick three goals.

Richmond's win followed 13 losses and a draw in its previous 14 clashes with the Saints and lifted them to a 5-5 record.

With four wins in the Tigers' past five matches, including quality victories over Sydney, Hawthorn and now the Saints, it will raise hopes they can reach the finals for the first time since 2001.

Jack Riewoldt's big night included a spectacular mark over Jason Blake in the second term.

The Tigers twice looked to have the game in their keeping, when they pushed 20 points clear early in both the third and final quarters.

But the Saints kept coming, hitting the lead in the last term when Armitage, Nick Riewoldt and Jason Gram combined for four goals in a six-minute burst.

"You're always nervous - big games, big crowd, you're always nervous," Newman said.

"You're lying if you say you're not.

"But obviously the boys handled it pretty well.

"We let them score a few goals consecutively and they got back into the game, but as I said the resolve of this young group is really impressive and for a few of the leaders to stand up in that last quarter also is really pleasing."

But, after a series of close losses already this season the determined Tigers bounced back, with Jack Riewoldt sealing the win in his 100th AFL match.

Richmond: 18.13 (121) - Riewoldt 8, Edwards 2, Nahas 2, Tuck, Deledio, Maric, Vickery, Martin, Ellis

St Kilda: 16.17 (113) - Riewoldt 3, Saad 3, Gram 2, Armitage 2, Milera 2, Koschitzke, Milne, Dal Santo, Goddard

ABC/AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000, richmond-3121, st-kilda-3182, vic, australia

First posted June 01, 2012 22:42:28

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Smashing Saints do it for Lenny

Updated May 26, 2012 20:18:12

The Saints celebrated Lenny Hayes' 250th game in style, beating the Sydney Swans by 28 points at Docklands on Saturday.

The Saints ran roughshod over Sydney, kicking 13 goals to eight from quarter-time to win 16.15 (111) to 12.11 (83).

For St Kilda the positives ranged from the exciting group of young talent, including Ahmed Saad, Arryn Siposs, Tom Simpkin and Terry Milera, to the excellent games from team leaders like Nick Riewoldt, Nick Dal Santo and Stephen Milne.

Scott Watters' men looked to have set themselves for a huge effort for Hayes, who had 25 touches in a strong outing.

Hayes told Fox Sports that it was great to get to his milestone game after missing most of last year with a ruptured ACL.

"You really miss the game a lot," he said.

"The most exciting thing is there's so many young blokes coming through, it's really exciting for the club, it's in really good hands (for the future).

Hayes said the most pleasing aspect of the win was getting some consistency in the performance.

"We'd struggled a bit to put together four quarters this year, we had the win against Carlton a couple of weeks ago, we were inconsistent last week (against West Coast), but I thought we did all right tonight," he said.

The headaches keep coming for Swans coach John Longmire, as his team continues to show it is in dire trouble without key players Adam Goodes and Shane Mumford.

Sydney was smashed at the clearances, thumped for contested ball and had almost no avenue to goal for much of the match.

The Saints had nearly double the inside 50s for long periods, and only a late comeback by the Swans evened up the count to 55-42 in favour of St Kilda.

St Kilda spread the load up forward, with three goals to Milne and two to Jack Steven, Dal Santo, Riewoldt and Saad.

For Sydney, Lewis Jetta kicked three, and Ben McGlynn, Kieren Jack and Sam Reid had two each.

More to come.

Saints: 16.15 (111) - Milne 3, Steven 2, Dal Santo 2, Riewoldt 2, Saad 2, Cripps, Blake, Siposs, Milera.

Swans: 12.11 (83) - Jetta, 3, McGlynn 2, Reid 2, Jack 2, Kennedy, Bolton, Roberts-Thomson.

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, australia, vic, docklands-3008

First posted May 26, 2012 19:33:29

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Saints moving towards NZ Anzac clash

Updated May 25, 2012 17:17:46

St Kilda coach Scott Watters has thrown his support behind his club's bold plan to play an Anzac Day match in New Zealand as soon as next year.

The Saints have confirmed they are closing in on a deal to take a home-and-away match to Wellington.

If the plan became reality, it would be the first AFL match played overseas for competition points.

The match would be played at Westpac Stadium, the 36,000-capacity home of A-League soccer club Wellington Phoenix and Super Rugby's Hurricanes.

The venue has also been successfully used for Rugby World Cup matches and rugby league Tests.

Watters said Saints players were excited about the prospect of taking AFL overseas, and officials at the club viewed the New Zealand experiment as important for the Saints' future.

"It certainly looks really positive at the moment - there are negotiations taking place and everything's moving towards a really positive outcome," Watters said.

"It would be another strong pillar on which this club can build from. There's a lot of work being put into taking this club to another level and New Zealand is a key cornerstone of that.

"What it can actually deliver this club on a number of levels could actually relaunch this club into becoming the powerful club it needs to be."

Watters said he was not fazed with the extra travel which would be involved in an already tightly-packed home-and-away schedule.

"I played most of my footy at West Coast where I travelled every second week, and we delivered some fantastic results on the back of that," Watters said of his part in the successful Eagles teams of the early 1990s.

"I'm not intimidated or scared of travelling. International teams in international competitions don't see travelling as a negative."

The AFL would have to approve the deal, and the venue for the match, before it could go ahead.

But Westpac Stadium has already successfully hosted AFL exhibition matches, the last a preseason clash between Brisbane and Adelaide in 2001.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, st-kilda-5110, new-zealand

First posted May 25, 2012 14:53:42

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Saints too strong for Blues

Updated May 15, 2012 10:23:37

St Kilda goalsneak Stephen Milne led a pacy attack which cut Carlton apart at Docklands, as the Saints capped a round in which the AFL's pacesetters were brought back to earth.

St Kilda's upset 19.8 (122) to 14.14 (98) win meant the sides that started the round in the top three spots - West Coast, the Blues and Sydney - as well as reigning premiers Geelong, all lost.

It was the Saints' first big scalp of the season - having previously downed Gold Coast, the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne - and lifted them into the top eight, displacing Hawthorn.

Milne booted four goals, delighting the Saints fans among the 38,823-strong crowd, who chanted his name after his majors.

Mature-aged recruits Terry Milera (three goals) and Ahmed Saad (two) were also damaging as the weapon of a pace-based attack that had served the Blues well so often was used against them.

Along with kicking nine goals between them, the three forward speedsters set up several others.

Carlton contributed to their own fate with a series of horrible errors in the first term which led to St Kilda goals and allowed the Saints to reach quarter-time with a two-point lead and momentum.

The Saints kicked six goals to three in the second term, with their small forward trio booting four of those, to surge 17 points clear at the main break.

By late in the third term Carlton were 34 points down and, while they narrowed the gap with the last two goals of that quarter, two missed shots by Marc Murphy meant they were still 20 points down at the last change.

Murphy had a quiet game, blanketed by Clinton Jones, while Jarryn Geary stopped dangerous half-forward Jeff Garlett having much influence and Jason Blake quelled Jarrad Waite.

Captain Chris Judd, back from a rest, was a big factor for the Blues with a game-high 29 touches.

But despite the enormous hit-out dominance of Carlton ruckmen Matthew Kreuzer and Shaun Hampson, Judd had little support at ground level, with a more even Saints contribution giving them the edge in the midfield battle.

Leigh Montagna, Farren Ray, Lenny Hayes, Jack Steven and Brendon Goddard were all big Saints contributors.

The Blues face another tough challenge against in-form Adelaide at Docklands on Sunday, while the Saints take on West Coast in Perth.

St Kilda: 19.8 (122) - Milne 4, Milera 3, Stanley 2, Saad 2, Armitage 2, Hayes, Koschitzke, Riewoldt, Ray, Steven, Goddard

Carlton: 14.14 (98) - Ellard 3, Betts 2, Walker 2, Judd, Simpson, Waite, Gibbs, Kreuzer, Scotland, Robinson

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, st-kilda-3182, carlton-3053

First posted May 14, 2012 22:30:43

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Saints not planning to change name

Updated May 05, 2012 17:47:30

St Kilda Football Club has confirmed it will not be permanently changing its name as it looks to cement a second home in New Zealand.

Reports on Saturday said the club was willing to change its name to The Saints and The Saints Wellington when playing games across the Tasman.

"The St Kilda Football Club will not be changing its name," chief executive officer Michael Nettlefold said.

"The Football Club has been St Kilda and the Saints for the past 139 years, and there are no plans to change the name.

"St Kilda may consider using the 'Saints' name to promote the club when playing in Wellington, New Zealand."

St Kilda is reportedly trying to secure a deal with the New Zealand city for three home games from 2014, which may include an Anzac Day fixture.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, st-kilda-3182, vic, australia, new-zealand

First posted May 05, 2012 17:47:30

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Hawks kick past Saints

Updated May 06, 2012 05:40:24

Star forwards Cyril Rioli and Lance Franklin combined for 11 goals as Hawthorn scored a vital 35-point win over St Kilda at the MCG.

The Hawks stormed home in the last term on Saturday night with five goals to one and won 18.15 (123) to 13.10 (88).

Franklin kicked 5.6 and Rioli, who is mourning the death of his uncle Sebastian, lit up the game in the first half and finished with a game-high six goals.

Rioli said his family tragedy gave him added motivation.

"It was shattering, I found out the news on Thursday and took the day off," he said.

"I've got a bit of family down here so we stuck around home.

"It was sad at first and then we told some good stories about him, it made the day a little bit easier.

"But coming into this week's game, I got a bit of motivation from that and from the performance last week - I was happy with my game tonight."

Hawthorn is rated as a top-four side, but it only had two wins from its opening five games.

The alarm bells were ringing after Sydney opened them up in the second half last Sunday for a big win.

The Saints took it up to them and only trailed by 10 points at the last change, but the Hawks went up a gear in the last term before a disappointing crowd of 42,289.

Rioli responded to queries about his form with a best-afield performance and his 18 disposals were the most he has had in a game this season.

Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson was rapt that his side responded so well to a tough week of scrutiny following the second half against Sydney, which he called "nothing short of putrid"

"We're just happy to get a win .. maybe the margin at the end made it look more comfortable than what it was," Clarkson said.

"It was a really tough battle.

"We've copped a bit of a whack throughout the course of the week and rightly so ... we deserved what came our way."

Saints key forward Justin Koschitzke, originally named as an emergency, was best for his team with five goals.

The two sides are now on three wins apiece, but there are major doubts about whether the Saints can make the top eight again this season and they also have two significant injuries after this week.

Coach Scott Watters said his side missed "three or four goals" early in the game that they should have nailed.

He added that they possibly failed to maintain the sort of pressure they want to maintain through a match, but Watters was pleased that several younger players gained invaluable experience.

It was the second time in three weeks that Dal Santo has struggled against a solid tag and Watters called on him to respond.

"Good players need to take that challenge head-on," Watters said.

"Ultimately, that's got to light a fire inside Nick because otherwise you become an easy target.

"He needs to work through that, he's a proud individual ... he'll address it accordingly."

Ruckman Ben McEvoy was a late withdrawal after he suffered a knee injury at training this week and he will need surgery on Monday, putting him out of action for four to six weeks.

Defender Sam Fisher, one of their most important players, was subbed out at half-time with a hamstring injury and the Saints confirmed Fisher would miss two to three weeks with his hamstring injury.

But the Hawks did not escape unscathed, with captain Luke Hodge clearly struggling with a hip problem for much of the game.

Clarkson said Hodge was not injured, but noted their fearless captain was "always a bit battered and bruised".

McEvoy's absence meant key defender Jason Blake had to go into the ruck and he performed well, matching David Hale.

But Hawthorn midfielder Jordan Lewis did a superb job on star St Kilda player Nick Dal Santo, restricting him to only 14 disposals in a major win for the Hawks.

Hawthorn: 18.15 (123) - C Rioli 6, L Franklin 5, J Roughead 2, P Puopolo, B Whitecross, L Bruest, D Hale, I Smith.

St Kilda: 13.10 (88) - J Koschitzke 5, N Riewoldt 3, T Milera, S Fisher, S Milne, R Stanley, A Saad.

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, hawthorn-3122, vic, st-kilda-3182, australia

First posted May 05, 2012 22:37:46

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Saints considering Wellington partnership

Updated May 06, 2012 09:24:06

The idea of St Kilda playing games in Wellington to build a supporter base or second home, in the city is being floated.

St Kilda may play three "home" games in Wellington during the AFL season from 2014, Fairfax reports.

St Kilda has been considering playing next year in Wellington on Anzac Day, and Wellington City Council sports and events portfolio leader John Morrison and businessman John Dow have been in Melbourne.

Mr Morrison, a former New Zealand representative cricketer, says negotiations are delicately poised.

"To be brutally honest, in principle we have agreed that we will both try and do it. This is not a one-off, they're talking long term," he said.

St Kilda insist it will not change its name permanently but when playing in Wellington may be known as The Saints.

"The Football Club has been St Kilda and the Saints for the past 139 years, and there are no plans to change the name," club chief executive Michael Nettlefold said.

"St Kilda may consider using the ‘Saints’ name to promote the Club when playing in Wellington, New Zealand."

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, st-kilda-3182, new-zealand

First posted May 06, 2012 09:08:56

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Saints keep Dees winless

Updated April 29, 2012 14:01:53

St Kilda withstood a much-improved performance from Melbourne to win their tight clash by three goals at the MCG.

The Saints kicked the only two goals of the last term in the rain on Saturday night to beat the winless Demons 12.12 (84) to 10.6 (66).

Veteran St Kilda onballer Lenny Hayes was best afield with 25 possessions and 10 clearances.

Hayes also kicked a superb goal halfway through the last term after forcing his way past two opponents.

It was a key moment after the teams had battled ferociously for the vital opening goal of the last quarter in which the Demons ultimately failed to score a point.

Saints defender Jason Blake and midfielder Jack Steven limped off in the last quarter with leg injuries.

It was a fierce contest that deserved a lot more than the poor crowd of 24,798.

Stephen Milne kicked two goals in the first half to become the 50th player and only the fifth small forward to reach 500 AFL goals.

The goal umpire also signalled a goal for Milne in the second term when it clearly went through for a behind.

The value of the league's new and controversial video review system was shown when the goal was overruled.

It was also used in the first quarter to rule that Saint Nick Dal Santo's shot for goal was an obvious behind.

St Kilda kicked the first two goals of the third term to take a 16-point lead, but the Demons hit back with two of their own and trailed by three points at the last change.

Clint Bartram brought the Demons to within one kick with an outstanding running goal, kicking the ball with the outside of his boot on an acute angle.

Melbourne tagger Jordy McKenzie was driving Brendon Goddard to distraction with his physical tactics and the pair clashed repeatedly.

Goddard received a free kick during the third term against McKenzie, but the young Demon negated the Saints star's influence.

The Demons pressured St Kilda throughout, but the Saints were able to score when it counted and they kicked the last two goals of the second term to lead by two points at half-time.

St Kilda's Leigh Montagna will come under video review for an incident in the first term where opponent James Magner had to briefly leave the field under the blood rule.

While the Demons are now 0-5, they will take heart from beating St Kilda for total possessions, 338-326.

St Kilda: 12.12 (84) - B Wilkes 3, S Milne 2, N Riewoldt 2, J Steven 2, L Hayes, L Montagna, R Stanley

Melbourne: 10.6 (66) - N Jones 2, R Bail 2, B Moloney, A Davey, M Bate, L Dunn, C Bartram, J Watts

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000

First posted April 28, 2012 22:28:02

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Saints get points for Bombers' no-show

Updated March 04, 2012 18:49:19

St Kilda will get the maximum four points for Saturday night's cancelled preseason match in Wangaratta after the AFL ruled Essendon could have made more of an effort to get there.

The Bombers chartered two planes to fly their players to the northeast Victorian city on Saturday afternoon, but torrential rains that have soaked the region made it impossible to land.

The Saints had travelled a day earlier by bus and Essendon coach James Hird conceded on Sunday that St Kilda deserved full points, given it was at the ground and the Bombers were not.

The AFL had initially announced the points would be shared, under a rule governing matches abandoned for reasons beyond the clubs' control.

But, after further consideration, it announced on Sunday that the Saints would be declared the winners as Essendon could have done more.

"The AFL noted that extreme weather conditions meant that Essendon was unable to reach Wangaratta by air for the match," the league said in a statement.

"However, it also resolved that alternate travel arrangements were available to the club and therefore Essendon's inability to attend the match was ultimately within its control."

The decision keeps the Saints in contention for the preseason grand final, with two wins from three matches.

The Bombers are without a win.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, st-kilda-3182, vic, australia, essendon-3040

First posted March 04, 2012 18:49:19

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Saints opt not to pursue preseason points

Updated March 04, 2012 17:31:16

St Kilda says it will not formally request the four points from Saturday night's abandoned AFL preseason game in Wangaratta, despite Essendon admitting the Saints deserve them.

The Bombers failed to make it to the north-east Victorian city, with torrential rains that have hit the region making it impossible for their chartered planes to land on Saturday afternoon.

The Saints had travelled a day earlier by bus and Essendon coach James Hird conceded on Sunday that St Kilda deserved full points, given the side was at the ground and the Bombers were not.

"I can understand why St Kilda want the four points," Hird told reporters, according to the AFL website.

"They are probably theirs, they got to the ground and we didn't.

"No one at Essendon would begrudge St Kilda getting the four points."

Saints coach Scott Watters indicated on Saturday night that his club wanted the AFL to award them maximum points.

"We came here wanting four points and we'll see what happens," Watters said.

"Last time I was at a forfeit was under-12s, and the side that didn't turn up didn't get the points."

The AFL initially released a statement saying the points would be shared, but late on Saturday night issued a revised statement, saying they would hear both clubs' views before making a final decision.

However, the Saints said on Sunday morning they would not be putting forward a formal case.

"The St Kilda Football Club has this morning decided not to formally request the awarding of points," the club said in a statement.

"The club felt it was inappropriate to assess the circumstances surrounding Essendon's non-arrival from Melbourne.

"St Kilda Football Club has resolved that it will accept the final decision of the AFL."

Essendon's travel plans were endorsed by the AFL and Hird said while they had a bus on standby, they had been assured by their airline right up until flight time that flying would not be a problem.

"Both myself and (Essendon player and development manager) Danny Corcoran as we got on the plane asked the pilot 'Are you sure we are going to be OK to get there?' and he said yes," Hird said.

"You can only take the experts' opinion."

Several Bombers were ill as a result of the unpleasant flying conditions, with Hird saying youngster Dyson Heppell was particularly unwell.

"I have never seen him so sick," Hird said.

"Seeing Dyson Heppell's face when he got off the plane and how relieved he was, was a bright moment."

AAP

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, wangaratta-3677, vic, australia

First posted March 04, 2012 11:05:28

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Riewoldt wants more aggressive Saints

Updated March 13, 2012 17:03:02

Nick Riewoldt has called on St Kilda's players to be more aggressive, insisting they cannot rely on him to dominate up front as in the past due to the changing nature of the game.

St Kilda put in an extremely disappointing performance losing in 35-degree heat to the West Coast Eagles at the weekend leading some to re-evaluate its status as finals contenders.

The club captain does not accept there is an attitude problem under new coach Scott Watters but concedes the players must play with a better attitude than they did on Saturday.

"We spoke about the three things we need to address and effort was one of those and we set about rectifying that," Riewoldt told Fox Sports.

"We weren't aggressive enough on either side of the game, We weren't aggressive enough in our defence.

"People talk about the ability to come forward and put pressure on and we didn't do that.

"And we werent aggressive enough with our ball use. We need to improve and improve quickly."

The Saints skipper's form dipped last year and though after rehabilitating a persistent knee problems he feels ready to return to his form of 2008 and 2009, when he was the club's top scorer, he does not feel the club's fortunes will swing with his sometimes errant boot.

"The times of one key forward dominating a competition is going away," Riewoldt added.

"It's not about me kicking 80 goals.

"We need me to kick 30-40 and two others doing the same.

"I feel like the game's really changed in the last three years, certainly more than any other period I've been playing.

"You don't get the one-on-one battle where you know you're going to be on the same guy the whole day.

"Defences work so well now, you run out of one guy's areas and into anothers.

"That's a challenge all forwards face and thats why you see so many rotations because the need to be explosive is greater than ever."

Tags: sport, australian-football-league, st-kilda-3182

First posted March 13, 2012 17:03:02

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Riewoldt retains Saints captaincy

Updated February 08, 2012 14:56:49

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt has been voted as captain once again by his team-mates and after a welcomed quiet off-season is excited about the AFL club's prospects.

The Saints officially confirmed on Wednesday that the five-time best and fairest player will captain them for a seventh season.

He will head an eight-man leadership group which also includes Brendon Goddard, Nick Dal Santo, Sam Fisher, Leigh Montagna, Adam Schneider, James Gwilt and Ben McEvoy.

Veteran midfielder Lenny Hayes, who is coming back from a knee reconstruction, was not included but was given the official title of leadership mentor.

The captain and leadership group was selected by a player vote, with new head coach Scott Watters and head of football Chris Pelchen also having input into the decision.

Riewoldt said he had welcomed the process and felt reassured to have been reinstalled after the captaincy was thrown open.

He said the new process, instituted by Watters, along with the state of the club's list had him as excited as he had been entering any season.

"It's a combination of a lot of things," Riewoldt said.

"Clearly the club is going through a transition at the moment.

"You've seen a lot of different things in the few months we've been back at pre-season training.

"I think the list is in a really exciting position."

Riewoldt said he felt the club was coming from a position of strength despite having dropped to seventh last season after making grand finals the previous two years, followed by the shock departure of Ross Lyon, the Saints coach of the past five seasons.

Riewoldt said despite those setbacks, some off-field scandals that the club has endured in recent seasons and his own struggles with knee soreness last year, he felt the resilience the players had shown to make a fourth straight finals series was a good base to build on.

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, st-kilda-3182, melbourne-3000

First posted February 08, 2012 14:33:45

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Saints, Swans, Cats share spoils

Updated February 24, 2012 23:13:35

There were wins for each of the three teams in Friday night's AFL preseason cup round in Melbourne.

Sydney blitzed St Kilda by five goals before a young Geelong side accounted for the tiring Sydney players by 26 points.

The rested Saints then beat Geelong by 21.

The temperature was still at 32 degrees at half-time of the last game at Docklands, giving a definite advantage to the Saints.

The 18 teams are split into six groups of three for round one of the competition, with each mini-match consisting of two 20-minute halves.

From next weekend the preseason competition reverts to standard matches.

Geelong coach Chris Scott said the contentious use of two interchanges and two substitutes for the preseason cup matches had made it tough for those who played two games on Friday night without a break.

"It's hard to judge, based on two 20-minute halves, but it was really hot (and) it made it very, very difficult for the side coming up against fresh opposition," Scott said.

"The jury is way out on the 'two and two' and hopefully we don't have to discuss it too many times this year."

Watters said the "two and two" system clearly made it harder for the players in the heat.

"I'm personally comfortable with the 'three and one' (three interchange and one substitute), but they're the rules and you have to adjust accordingly," Watters said.

Watters said Justin Koschitzke "potentially" had a calf injury after the ruck-forward was subbed out of St Kilda's first game.

Hayes, who needed a knee reconstruction after round two last year, was pleased with his first match back.

"It was great ... it was good just to get out there and be among the boys again," he said.

"I've been really happy with the way the club have handled my pre-season.

"That gives you a lot of confidence, but I suppose in the back of your mind, I was still a bit nervous before the game, having not played for almost 12 months."

"I see it as a mini-milestone, if you like."

AAP

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, melbourne-3000

First posted February 24, 2012 22:57:44

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Saints confident beyond Riewoldt's rule

Updated February 10, 2012 12:30:23

St Kilda star Nick Riewoldt may want to hand over the reins at season's end, but the AFL club is not worried about where to find a replacement when the time comes.

The talismanic forward was named as the Saints' skipper for the seventh straight season on Wednesday but, despite being excited about the honour, his time at the helm is limited.

But that revelation has not fazed new head coach Scott Watters, who told Grandstand Breakfast that St Kilda's next skipper will eventually emerge from his current crop of leaders.

"I think Nick's comment was probably more in principle than in a timeframe," he said.

"Nick would like to captain and play forever - as all players would - but at some point the reality is there has to be a pathway to another captain, whether that's 12 months, 24 months ... who knows?

"But part of the structure we've set up with the seven leaders plus Lenny [Hayes], that sort of sit in a supporting role to Nick and really drive the club, we would expect that a captain at some point will emerge from that seven."

Watters said it was a difficult choice to narrow the leadership group down to its current size in the first place.

"We think it's a really strong group. They're all really committed to shaping and driving the club as we move forward," he said.

"There's probably two or three leaders that sit outside that seven that were probably unfortunate not to get in.

"It was pretty competitive so it's going to set us up for [captaincy] succession really well I think."

Riewoldt will lead the group which consists of Brendon Goddard, Nick Dal Santo, Sam Fisher, Leigh Montagna, Adam Schneider, James Gwilt and Ben McEvoy.

Veteran midfielder Lenny Hayes, returning from knee surgery, missed out but was given the official title of leadership mentor.

Watters said despite the size of the group, every player would have a job to do - and not necessarily an exclusively on-field one.

"Every club has probably got a leadership group or a captain or a vice-captain or some sort of set-up but the way that the clubs utilise that group is probably different," he said.

"From that perspective I want those in the leadership to have very specific roles and specific functions within the function of our club.

"They all have a portfolio they have to manage - whether it's community, whether it's player ... appearances, facilities or it might just be compliance.

"We have one leader that looks at are our players tracking well with skin folds, so that they've actively got something tangible [to do].

"You have 46 players and ideally I want another seven coaches on top of the coaches I've already got.

The players that are in our leadership group - they know footy and they've been around footy for a long time and ... I want to challenge them in a different way and give them the opportunity to drive our culture and drive our performance.

"That's what I see a leadership group as, not so much a figurehead that runs out and flips the coin. For me it's more about being able to get their teeth really into driving a club that they love and want to succeed."

The Saints begin their 2012 campaign on February 24 in their preseason cup openers against Geelong and Sydney at Docklands.

Tags: australian-football-league, sport, st-kilda-3182, vic, australia

First posted February 10, 2012 12:30:23

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