AFL: St Kilda want to exploit underdone Demon Max Gawn and make a finals statement against Melbourne
St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall says his one-two punch with fellow big man Paddy Ryder could be the key to helping knock Melbourne “between the eyes” when they clash on Saturday.
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St Kilda ruckman Rowan Marshall says his one-two punch with fellow big man Paddy Ryder could be the key to helping knock Melbourne “between the eyes” when they clash on Saturday.
The Demons are expected to get back captain and talisman Max Gawn for the game in Alice Springs after he missed the past three games though a combination of injuries.
Marshall and Ryder have been sharing the ruck load this season for the Saints, while also combining for 12 goals while spending their resting time up forward.
Marshall said the St Kilda duo would look to use their “significant” advantage on the expanses of Traeger Park against Gawn to put the Saints in prime position to lock in a finals berth.
“We think Alice is a pretty big ground so we’ll try and exploit him with our run, like we do against every other team,” he said on Thursday.
“That’s one of the advantages of having us both in the team, we come in to the ruck pretty fresh.
“Both of our bodies feel a lot better after every game. pulling up a lot fresher. It’s a real advantage coming in tot the ruck fresh, after spending five or six minutes down forward.
“We’re liking thew combination at the moment.”
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The two teams will fly to Alice Springs on the dame plane, which Marshall conceded would be weird. He could even have to stare down Gawn with all the big men likely to be towards the front of the plane.
“Hopefully we get the win so the trip home is more enjoyable,” Marshall said.
The Saints haven’t played finals since 2011, and victory over the Demons would be a 10th win for the season, of the year, which could be enough to reach the post-season.
Marshall said his team would be out to make a statement from the first bounce.
“We haven’t played finals in along time so every week counts. This weekend is huge for us,” he said
“We want to come out strong and his Melbourne between the eyes and get off to a good start.
Originally published as AFL: St Kilda want to exploit underdone Demon Max Gawn and make a finals statement against Melbourne