With just two wins from 13 rounds, it has been a season of abject disappointment for the Saints and their long suffering supporters. In a year in which the team was meant to return to the finals they have instead found themselves anchored within the bottom four. As Alan Richardson’s men take their long awaited mid-season break, what are we to make of their season to date?
WHAT’S GONE RIGHT?
Is there an easier question? With just two wins and a draw from thirteen rounds, it has been a trainwreck of a season for the Saints. It has however been another example of the old adage that crisis breeds opportunity.
In searching for a winning formula, they have unearthed a number of gems. Nick Coffield, Ed Phillips, Bailey Rice, Logan Austin and Josh Battle have all shown they are worth persisting with. Then there are the Rising Star nominees Hunter Clark and Ben Long both appear to be A-Graders in waiting.
WHAT’S GONE WRONG?
This is a much easier one to answer. Simplistically, the Saints delivery into forward 50 has been absolutely diabolical. This on its own has meant they have lost games against West Coast, Adelaide and Sydney among others in which they have spent more time in their attacking arc than their opponents.
The worm has begun to turn, but kicking for goal has been an archilles heel. This inability to take their opportunity has played a large part in the Saints being the least efficient team for goals per possession.
Injuries have cruelled their chances too. Dylan Roberton, Ben Long, Josh Bruce and Koby Stevens have all suffered long term injuries which has hurt selection continuity and the Saints ability to field a competitive team.
STAND OUT PLAYER: Jimmy Webster
The respobsibility of being a leader within an inexperienced backline has brought the best out of Jimmy Webster in 2018. The likely leader of the Saints Best & Fairest at Round 13, his disposal and decision making has been elite in a season where his team has been plagued by problems in both.
THE RUN HOME
On paper there are three emminently winnable games in the run home for the Saints. That said, their best could see them win as many as five and their worst could see them win just one. My guess? St Kilda will finish 15th.
MIDSEASON GRADE
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