St Kilda coach Scott Watters tells Brendon Goddard to tone down aggression

ST KILDA coach Scott Watters has told Brendon Goddard to control his aggression and put the team first.

Brendon Goddard

ST KILDA coach Scott Watters has told Brendon Goddard to control his aggression and put the team first.

But he doesn't want the key Saint, who was suspended for two matches this week for striking North Melbourne's Sam Wright, to lose the fire he has for the game.

Watters says his utility plays with a high level of intensity; twice this season opposition sides have pressed Goddard's "buttons" and his response had detracted from his game.

"We have addressed that," Watters said at Friday's final training session at their Seaford ground before tonight's big game against Essendon.

"Brendon and I have discussed that and he has a pretty strong template of how he wants to deal with that going forward.

"But I would much rather have a player that was aggressive and competitive than passive and be prepared to receive what opposition taggers and tactics come his way.

"So he has to control that and put the team first, but I don't want him to lose the fire that he has for the game."

Watters admitted the Saints had been put under pressure with Goddard's suspension and long-term injuries to Jason Blake (ankle) and Rhys Stanley (hamstring) suffered against the Kangaroos.

"I don't know if there's many good timings for injuries or suspension. It puts us under a degree of pressure, but I guess these are the moments you find out more things about your list," he said.

"You expose players to bigger responsibilities and see whether they can handle that so out of these situations your club can actually grow.

"We probably have our backs right to the wall at the moment, but it's a tough competition and we have to deal with that."

Watters also paid tribute to small forward Stephen Milne who will play his 250th game tonight.

"To play 250 games and contribute the way he has in one of the toughest positions to play on the field, is a testament to him in many ways," Watters said.

"He is loved by his teammates. And to that consistent over so long is a huge effort."

Watters said Milne was also loved by the Saints fans and coaches.

"I am probably in that bracket," he said. "His teammates love playing with him.

"Some very good players are maligned from outside of their club. Maybe it's because he's been so good and that's part and parcel of the territory and I don't think that worries him too much. In fact, I think it inspires him in many ways."

Watters, who said he would give Milne the opportunity to address the players before the game, admitted he was probably one of the people who hated the little forward from the outside.