ST KILDA has interpreted comments from Greater Western Sydney midfielder Dylan Shiel as a "direct challenge to our playing group" and will take an aggressive mindset into Saturday's clash at Manuka Oval, according to coach Scott Watters.
In reference to the Saints' senior players, Shiel this week said the young Giants could "run them off their legs" when the 0-2 sides clash in Canberra in search of their first wins for the season.
GWS coach Kevin Sheedy has since promised to silence his confident young gun and remind his players "where they are in the position of their careers".
"Interesting comments. Obviously a direct challenge to our playing group," Watters said as the Saints flew out of Melbourne on Friday.
"I'm sure that's been noted by the likes of Lenny Hayes, Stephen Milne – who in reality needs to jump up and play aggressive footy this week – Nick Dal Santo and David Armitage.
"They would have noted those comments, but talk is cheap, performance counts … we've got a very aggressive mindset going into this game."
Shiel, who played 12 games in his debut 2012 season and received a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination, also said the Giants should take confidence out of beating St Kilda during the NAB Cup.
"To see Gold Coast beat them, why can't we beat them?'' he said.
Watters said the Saints were craving a win after a 17-point loss to Richmond last Friday night and the team had set itself to defend aggressively.
"We've seen how sides can break down their ball movement; Port Adelaide did a really good job of that and we intend to apply some pressure," he said.
"We certainly think the players gave great effort last week, but ultimately it doesn't translate into a win.
"It's about the attitude, the effort and the grit that we bring to the game.
"Quite frankly, this playing group's ready to play."
With Sean Dempster (hand) and Adam Schneider (hamstring) injured, St Kilda has selected 22-year-old forward Tom Lee to make his debut as well as defender Nathan Wright, who was the club's first selection (No.24 overall) at last year's NAB AFL Draft.
With Nick Riewoldt, Dal Santo and Milne set to play together for the 200th time, Watters said it would be an exciting game for the club.
"Tom Lee and Nathan Wright are two players who are going to be at this club for 10-12 years," he said.
"[Lee] is a developing player, we know that, but he was brought into the side because we think he's ready to perform.
"His form has been really good, he's an exciting talent and we look forward to getting him out there.
"[Wright] is a defender with great bounce out of the backline, but probably his greatest trait is he's a real fighter, an extremely competitive player.
"He'll run hard and straight at the ball and he'll bring a contest. We're excited about him."
Nathan Schmook is a reporter for AFL Media. Follow him on Twitter: @AFL_Nathan
