This week portadelaidefc.com.au looks at three Saints who have the ability to have a huge impact on the game.
Josh Bruce
Originally playing as a key defender for the Saints, this Westhoff-like swingman has moved upfield and proven his value as one of the competition’s emerging key forwards.
With skipper/ key goal kicker Nick Riewoldt sidelined with a corked thigh, the Saints will be looking for other avenues to goal, making 196cm, 94kg Bruce a main target in the forward line this week.
Bruce is one of the better Saints at winning marking contests, sitting second in the league for contested marks inside forward 50 – equal with Geelong big man Tom Hawkins.
And he’s a dangerman once he gets his hands on the ball – this season he’s booted 41.16 goals from 16 games, with an average of 2.6 per game.
David Armitage
After missing a substantial part of last season with a knee infection, the strong bodied midfielder has entered 2015 with all guns blazing, in career-best form.
The consistent ball-winner leads his team for clearances per game at 6.3, with a total of 100 for the season so far – nearly 40 above the next best, Jack Steven.
His speed plays an integral role in the Saints’ ball movement moving from defence, with a second ranking for metres gained at the club. He also boasts an elite ball delivery average of 29.6 disposals per game - fourth in the entire league.
With an average of 5.5 tackles per game, Armitage has shown an elite work rate to get back and help the defence, but can also boost upfield and prove dangerous inside 50.
Dylan Roberton
Roberton’s stark turnaround in 2015 has been a key in the Saints’ improvement in form in the second part of the season.
Practically ruled out as an AFL player last year with a recurring ankle injury, Roberton has returned to the top side in top form.
Dubbed St Kilda’s ‘most consistent defender’, Roberton’s ability to read the play has been pivotal in increasing turnovers. With a mark play-on percentage of 53.4 (22% above the AFL average), his impact extends beyond his defensive posting.
He’ll be looking to take the game on from defence through intercept marking and composed, targeted ball delivery – he holds a kick to handball ratio of 1.93.
Roberton’s offensive run is an added danger as St Kilda’s number one rebounding 50 player, with an average of 360m per game, 21 disposals and a disposal efficiency of 81 per cent.
