All-Australian playmaker Jack Sinclair will look again on Ross Lyon’s “year of exploration” with combined feelings after St Kilda’s flat finals exit.
The Saints entered September daring to dream of a fairytale end to the membership’s a hundred and fiftieth 12 months, which doubled as Lyon’s first in his second coming as coach.
But Sinclair concedes they have been “outworked” by a hungry GWS facet that was “harder in the contest” throughout final Saturday’s 24-point elimination closing defeat.
“It’s been a year of growth but we’re pretty disappointed with that performance,” Sinclair mentioned.
“We didn’t really know what to expect this year and overall we’ve had a lot of positives but I felt like we took a step back.
“There’s just a few regrets, which hurts.”
Sinclair and most of his teammates had their first taste of finals action in Melbourne and relished the experience of playing in front of more than 68,000 fans at the MCG.
Now they want more, but are well aware the onus is on them to deliver next season and beyond.
“We hadn’t performed finals for just a few years however I really feel like that is the minimal normal for us,” Sinclair mentioned.
“Ross has obtained actually excessive expectations of the group and that is why he is fairly flat. It’s good to get right here however that is the minimal requirement for us.
“We just want to keep growing from here but it’s easier said than done.
“Every crew goes to do the identical within the low season – attempt to get higher – and that is the problem for us.”
St Kilda unearthed some young talent this season and saw plenty of progression from their impressive band of inexperienced players.
Anthony Caminiti, Mitch Owens, Mattaes Phillipou, Nasaiah Wanganeen-Milera and Marcus Windhager were among the stand-out youngsters billed as those who will drive the Saints forward.
“You discover out lots in regards to the children who’ve actually stood up all 12 months,” Sinclair mentioned.
“I really feel like numerous our senior guys have continued to enhance too, which is a very essential tone to set for these younger guys.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
