St Kilda vice-captain Callum Wilkie says it’s laborious to maintain his aspect’s 2022 second half stoop from his ideas because the Saints return from their bye with the same document to final 12 months.
The Saints have been a top-four prospect with an 8-3 document this time final season, however solely managed to win three of their remaining 11 video games to overlook the eight, however Wilkie says solely “little fixes” are required to keep away from the identical destiny in 2023.
He mentioned the Saints’ shock 10-point loss to Hawthorn earlier than the bye had highlighted a drop-off in effort over the previous few rounds.
“The performance against Hawthorn put a sour taste in the mouth on the week off, but it was good to get away and refresh the mind,” Wilkie mentioned.
“(Our) effort had tapered off; we probably played some inconsistent footy in the last month or so.
“It was a good reminder coming in this week and seeing how poor our effort was and our compliance to structure, which are all little fixes.”
Wilkie mentioned he was assured the Saints’ strengthened system below new coach Ross Lyon would assist them keep away from a repeat of final season’s collapse.
“You can’t help but think about it, because it was last year, but we’ve got a good system and players; the boys are eager and hungry,” he mentioned.
He mentioned Lyon had fired up over the Hawthorn loss however was nonetheless teaching with a very good stability in his communication.
“He’s been a bit sharper this week, and deservedly so … we didn’t put in the performance we wanted to and we needed a good hit-up,” Wilkie mentioned.
“It was just a little sharp reminder of what we didn’t do well, and how we went away from our footy.
“He’s been sharp when he needs to be, he’s been cuddly when he needs to be – he’s had a good balance.”
The Saints will once more face Lance Franklin in a milestone match when the 36-year-old reaches 350 video games on Thursday evening on the SCG, with Wilkie saying he was in ‘awe” of the superstar forward whenever they went head to head.
“I played in his 300th … I was lucky I didn’t get the job that day; I don’t know what number of he kicked,” Wilkie mentioned.
“All those games you look back on, and you’re happy you’re part of those milestones for such a champion player.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play on him a few times and you’re always in a bit of awe of who you’re standing on and what he’s done for the game, so it will be a special night.”
Wilkie mentioned Rising Star contender Mitch Owens was feeling good and set to return on Thursday after struggling “no residual effects” after a horror head knock in spherical 10 in opposition to GWS.
“I think we probably missed (Owens) a bit … he’s a 20-year-old, it’s hard to say that we’re missing a 20-year-old, but with how much spark, energy and effort he brings … we’re keen for him to come back into the side,” he mentioned.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
