Despite missing out on the NAB Cup Grand Final to the Western Bulldogs earlier this year, Ross Lyon is not taking much out of the pre-season match before the two teams meet again for Round 6.

“The NAB Cup Grand Final performance is irrelevant. It’s now about this week, and this week’s performance. It is an opportunity for both teams to get four points.”

With the disappointment of last weekend’s loss to Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium, Lyon hopes the Round 5 defeat can help motivate the boys for Friday night.

“Obviously coming off a loss we’re keen to get going again and try to find some good football. It’s a big clash on the big stage on Friday night, and we’re really keen to go out and put on a good show.”

With a six day build-up leading into the match, the Saints are confident they have the structures in place to be fully prepared to face the Dogs.

“A six day build-up can certainly hinder your training. You need to balance getting enough work into the players along with practicing skills and our systems.”

“We must make sure we are not only mentally fresh, but physically are able to run it out. We’re confident at this point that we can get up and get going for Friday night.”

Known for their ability to skillfully move the ball down the field, Lyon admires a number of the Bulldogs’ key midfield players who will line-up on Friday night.

“They (the Bulldogs) almost have an All Australian midfield with Cooney, Griffen, Boyd and Cross and they are now in the elite with Akermanis and Giansiracusa.”

“But that is where our strength lies as well with Dal Santo, Hayes, Goddard and Armitage growing along with Clint Jones. I think that is where (the game) it is going to be won or lost- in the midfield.”

Although they are currently placed eight on the Premiership ladder, no one seems to have lost the opinion that the Bulldogs will be a strong force when September comes around.

Agreeing with the recent support Lyon said; “They’re definitely a top four team and a genuine Premiership chance, and that is the reason that everyone is talking about them.”

“They’ve got a great team and we expect that they are as good a chance as anyone to win the Premiership.”


This Friday night, the Saints and the Bulldogs will play the annual Barker-Whitten, named in honour of St Kilda legend Trevor Barker and Footscray/Western Bulldogs legend Ted Whitten. A plate will be presented to the winning team post game by representatives of both families.

Get down to Etihad Stadium on Friday night to give the boys your support. As a Bulldogs home game, make sure you know what your member entry entitlements are by clicking here or calling our Membership department on 1300 GO SAINTS.