St Kilda CEO Matt Finnis addresses playing group after JLT Series win over North Melbourne
St Kilda has taken the rare step of asking chief executive Matt Finnis to address the playing group after its JLT Series win over North Melbourne following a tumultuous week for the club that included injuries and off-field issues.
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St Kilda chief executive Matt Finnis took the unusual step of addressing the Saints’ players immediately after Saturday’s 25-point JLT win over North Melbourne following a tumultuous week at the club.
Coach Alan Richardson revealed he had asked Finnis to speak with the group in the Avalon Airport Oval rooms at Werribee, to highlight how important the positive early showing was for the fans and for the club as a whole.
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The hard-fought win in oppressive conditions was precisely the tonic the club needed after this week’s news that its best player Jack Steven required a break from the game to deal with a mental health issue, defender Jake Carlisle most likely needs back surgery, and former Swan Dan Hannebery could be missing in Round 1.
“It was a week that really challenged the footy club,” Richardson said in terms of providing hope to the Saints’ fans flattened by the news during the week.
“I can’t remember the last time Matty Finnis spoke to the group (after a game).”
“(I) asked Matty from a club perspective what it would mean for our fans (to have a win), particularly after we had a disappointing year last year, and whilst our membership is strong, we needed to have a strong performance, irrespective of whether we win or lose.
“We had to be strong, and that was Matty’s message ‘Well done boys, you have done a good job’.
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“It was a really positive response.”
Richardson was pleased with the Saints’ overall effort, highlighted by Dylan Roberton’s much-awaited competitive return, as well as a host of new players including Matthew Parker, Nick Hind and Dean Kent putting their hand up.
“We were able to give some young blokes some opportunities; some players that are new to our footy club,” he said.
The Saints’ ruck stocks — already under pressure — were stretched to the limits on Saturday when Lewis Pierce was ruled out of the game early due to concussion.
North Melbourne coach Brad Scott said it was the perfect preseason hit out for his club, as it looked to settle its best line-up in the coming weeks.
“We did feel St Kilda applied exceptional pressure … that’s exactly what you want in your first practice game,” Scott said.
The Kangaroos unveiled seven new players, including former Gold Coast player Aaron Hall, who injured his knee in the first term, but returned for another quarter before being rested in the second half.
Jared Polec, Dom Tyson and Jasper Pittard were busy in their first game for the Roos.
Scott said youngsters Bailey Scott and Tarryn Thomas had put their hands up as candidates for the club’s Round 1 clash with Fremantle on March 24.
“We were very keen to see Bailey and Tarryn,” he said. “They bring a fair bit of what we need.”
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