Cerra, Hewett lead way for Blues, Saints swing a change

Midfield guns George Hewett and Adam Cerra made a strong impression while the Blues also unveiled a revamped defensive model in a seven-point practice match win over St Kilda on Thursday.

The Saints, also keen to rebound this season, moved the ball well in patches during the 9.13 (67) to 8.12 (60) result, and the shift of Brad Hill from a wing to half-back shapes as a key piece in a vital year for coach Brett Ratten.

Adam Cerra performed well in his first appearance for the Blues.Credit:AFL Photos

On a day when the two club presidents, board members and AFL executives gathered in the Ikon Park stands alongside a healthy public turnout (although some fans were shocked to pay a $15 entry fee), there was enough shown by both clubs to suggest they legitimately will be in the finals hunt come the season proper.

The Blues’ new-look defence – without Liam Jones, who quit over the AFL’s vaccination mandate – featured Mitch McGovern, desperate to revive his career, and fellow tall Oscar McDonald, the latter managing three senior matches last year. They lined up alongside the plank that is Jacob Weitering, who had the job on Max King in what was an entertaining battle.

Brad Hill played a new role off half-back for the Saints.Credit:AFL Photos

The Blues had major problems quelling opposition run-ons last year, an issue that conspired to torpedo former coach David Teague, and this reappeared in the first half when the Blues conceded five straight goals. But they reemerged after half-time intent on making amends.

Cerra, the former Docker, and Hewett, the former Swan, were busy in the midfield. Cerra booted two goals in the third term. He and Hewett used the ball well in and around the contest and add considerable depth to what was an area of weakness, highlighted with veteran Ed Curnow and Paddy Dow lining up in the ensuing VFL practice match. Saints’ veterans Zak Jones and Seb Ross were also productive through the midfield/half-back, while Josh Battle appeared at ease in a new role in defence.

The coaches’ box

Ratten, the Carlton great, was back in familiar territory but joked pre-match he didn’t know which way the wind would blow because of the construction works going on. It didn’t matter. Hill, typically a dashing link man through the middle, was at ease in a new role at half-back, where he can counter-attack, while recruit Tom Campbell was strong in the ruck. The Saints were ranked 16th for centre-clearance differential last year and must improve in this area.

The Blues hope to have a hardened defensive edge under new coach Michael Voss. The early signs are that they will handball more off half-back, then take a short kick to advantage, rather than initially look to explode through the middle. There also appeared to be a harder edge to their play – a Voss non-negotiable.

Who stood out

Saint Jade Gresham, who has had a wretched two years because of injury, continued his comeback and was smooth inside attacking 50. Skipper Jack Steele was typically busy through the midfield, while the forward combination of Tim Membrey and King will trouble many teams. Ben Long was also lively up forward.

George Hewett lays a tackle on Dan Butler.Credit:AFL Photos

Having underperformed last year, a fit Zac Williams covered the ground well at half-back for the Blues and was engaged with teammates in how they set up. Jack Silvagni was busy up forward and was used as a back-up ruckman at centre bounces and around the ground.

The new kids

There wasn’t much to report on this front. For the Blues, Jesse Motlop, the former South Fremantle small forward snapped up with pick No.27 in last year’s national draft, played in a VFL practice match. Domanic Akuei, a category B rookie, has groin soreness. The Saints did not field Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, pick No.11, nor Mitch Owens, Marcus Windhager and defender Oscar Adams. Jack Hayes, fighting for a spot on the list, impressed when given a run in the second half.

Who’s missing

The Blues have a 10-man injury ward, headlined by Harry McKay (foot) and Sam Walsh (syndesmosis). Ruckman Tom De Koning is also on the mend following surgery, while defender Liam Stocker (syndesmosis) is also working hard to be fit for round one. Blues football department boss Brad Lloyd said Sam Docherty, having recovered from testicular cancer, could log minutes against Melbourne next week. Josh Honey (knee), Jack Carroll (calf) and Akuei (groin) are also being managed. Caleb Marchbank and David Cuningham, on the mend from knee reconstructions, are still some time away from playing. The Saints were without Nick Coffield (ACL), while Jarryn Geary, Rowan Marshall and Paddy Ryder are being eased into the season.

AAMI Community Series

Thursday, March 3
Carlton v Melbourne at Marvel Stadium, 7.20pm AEDT

Friday, March 4
Western Bulldogs v Brisbane at Marvel Stadium, 7.20pm AEDT

Saturday, March 5
Hawthorn v Richmond at TBC, 1.10pm AEDT
Adelaide v Port Adelaide at Richmond Oval, 3.40pm ACDT
Essendon v St Kilda at Marvel Stadium, 7.10pm AEDT

Sunday, March 6
Greater Western Sydney v Collingwood at Giants Stadium, 12.40pm AEDT
Sydney v North Melbourne at Giants Stadium, 4.20pm AEDT
West Coast v Fremantle at Fremantle Oval, 4.10pm AWST

Monday, March 7
Gold Coast v Geelong at Metricon Stadium, 6.40pm AEST

Most Viewed in Sport

From our partners

Source: Read Full Article