St Kilda coach Ross Lyon concedes captain Jack Steele is struggling however is adamant a knee harm is not behind his dip in kind.
Normally a giant ball-winner, Steele was restricted to 21 disposals, 4 clearances and simply 28 metres gained in Saturday’s 20-point loss to Richmond, when the Tigers’ midfield acquired on high on the MCG.
The 27-year-old has averaged simply 22.9 disposals this 12 months in comparison with 27.1 final season, along with his season interrupted by a damaged collarbone, then a medial ligament.
Steele had his left knee strapped and did not look like shifting effectively on Saturday evening however Lyon dismissed studies from earlier within the week he had been enjoying by knee soreness.
“I picked up on that in the media,” Lyon advised reporters.
“There’s certainly no knee issue, that’s for sure. I think he’s had some general soreness.
“I really requested (soccer supervisor) Dave Misson – I’m unsure the place the knee challenge got here from, the place that acquired reported from, as a result of it is really inaccurate.
“I think because he’s had it strapped off his medial, maybe it’s been inferred. But he’s ok.
“He’s had a tricky 12 months with normal soreness and had a little bit of an achilles, in order that’s been an ongoing administration challenge.
“But he’s certainly declaring himself.”
The Saints (8-5) sit fifth and are 4 factors exterior the highest 4 after their loss.
“I would’ve thought our year’s been solid,” Lyon stated.
“We didn’t disgrace ourself tonight.
“We’ve had two poor performances towards Adelaide and Hawthorn, even Hawthorn we had been in a successful place.
“So it’s been a short journey together. Once we learn from tonight, bitterly disappointed for our fans and our players and ourselves.
“The strongest curiosity is self curiosity, no-one desires to win greater than me. But when you speak about effort, I can not query it. Execution – that is a unique challenge.”
Lyon said the Saints would lean into a short turnaround against Brisbane on Friday.
“Our spirit and our efforts stand us in good stead,” Lyon stated.
“We’ve mainly achieved our overview, I need not present them any footage.
“We get ready for the Brisbane Lions, off a short break Friday night which is where you want to be – at Marvel.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
